Laura Hadzik, Partner in Road Transport at JMW Solicitors, looks at the potential risks to vehicle fleet operators from the UK driver shortage.
The UK is currently facing an HGV driver shortage, which is affecting compliance across multiple sectors reliant on logistics and transportation. According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of HGV drivers aged 46 to 55 dropped by 31% from 2019 to 2021, with the majority of drivers now over 45. Furthermore, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates the UK is short of around 100,000 drivers, a shortage that could intensify further by 2026. This decline in the driver workforce, compounded by factors such as Brexit’s impact on EU driver recruitment and COVID-19’s interruption of training, presents significant challenges for companies attempting to remain compliant under increasingly stretched conditions.
The driver shortage impacts not only the logistics sector but also retail, manufacturing, and food distribution, which depend on reliable, timely HGV services. To maintain regulatory compliance and avoid penalties, companies must now implement strategic responses that address driver availability issues while meeting strict requirements for drivers’ hours and working time, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards.
How the driver shortage adds pressure to stay compliant
Compliance obligations for companies relying on HGV transport have intensified in recent years, particularly as the driver shortage has added pressure to meet regulatory standards with fewer available resources. The decline in driver numbers, particularly among experienced, middle-aged workers, has had cascading effects across compliance areas. The ONS data reflects that only 2% of HGV drivers are under 25, with the average age of the workforce at 55. This demographic trend not only limits workforce availability but places increased demands on remaining drivers, who may face longer hours and more frequent shifts to meet demand.
The RHA’s projection suggests the UK driver shortfall could worsen as the population of drivers ages, leading to potential non-compliance issues with the Working Time Directive and Drivers’ Hours Rules, which mandate specific limits on driving and duty hours, breaks and rest periods ...
JMW Solicitors
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