Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

HGV Drivers: Road Safety

Thursday 9 September 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department's published guidance states that driver safety and the safety of other road users must not be compromised.
  • The relaxation of maximum daily working hours for HGV drivers must only be used where necessary.
  • The Minister agrees that improving driver conditions is important to attract more people into the sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

The recent temporary increase to the maximum daily working hours for heavy goods vehicle drivers has raised concerns about road safety.

Question

What assessment has been made of the impact on road safety of the recent temporary increase to the maximum daily working hours of HGV drivers?

Answer from Grant Shapps

The Department's published guidance makes it clear that driver safety and that of other road users must not be compromised, and that the relaxation must only be used where necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact on road safety was not addressed; general statement about guidelines and necessity.

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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

Longer working hours are not a solution to the shortage of HGV drivers, according to Unite the union. The question seeks recognition of the need for better conditions in the sector.

Question

Does he agree with Unite the union that such a crucial piece of our national infrastructure needs its own national council to set decent standards across the industry and restore collective bargaining?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Drivers are still bound by the working time directive, not increasing their working time; extra flexibility is provided. I agree about improving driver conditions to attract more people into the sector and see better pay and conditions as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on national council establishment were avoided; focused on current regulations and future improvements.

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