The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has published findings from a recent UK industry survey on the current driver shortage.

More than three quarters of respondents declared their organisation is currently experiencing a driver shortage and more than three quarters of respondents also said they have increased pay to help deal with the crisis.

The survey also revealed that the South-East of England was experiencing the highest level of driver shortage, with the East Midlands and London second and third.  

CILT carried out a similar survey in 2015, and the findings have been compared in the 2022 CILT Driver Shortage Crisis Report. Comparing the data, the average age of a driver has increased by four years, from 47 in 2015 to 51 in 2022.  

The overwhelming majority of respondents cited ‘unsociable hours’ as the main responsible factor for the driver shortage with nearly 80% of respondents selecting this option. This was followed by a lack of European drivers and the age of drivers.  

Respondents were asked if they thought the government is doing enough to highlight and deal with the driver shortage, to which 92% of respondents said no. This is an increase from the 2015 results.  

Commenting on the survey, Chief Executive at CILT(UK) Sharon Kindleysides FCILT said, “The results of the survey clearly show that much still needs to be done to combat ongoing driver shortages. Through our research we hope to add clarity to the situation by providing an opportunity for organisations to discuss where, why and how the driver shortage is having the most impact on business and public transport. We hope these results will spark collaboration and help organisations better understand the challenge at the core of our profession.” 

Photo: Sharon Kindleysides FCILT.