A sweeping review will seek to improve compulsory ongoing training for HGV drivers in the latest of 30 measures to support the road haulage sector and encourage more people to return to the profession.

A new report published on 4 October, 2021 by the London Mayor’s office claims that 95% of heavy goods vehicles in London now meet the strict Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, helping to clean up the capital’s toxic air and improve the health of Londoners. This figure has increased from 87% in 2017.

At 3pm (CET) on 12 October, Volvo Trucks will present a global, online event to help transport companies get started on switching to electric vehicles. The event will answer common questions and highlight the important business aspects of electromobility.

Tire manufacturer Bridgestone is joining forces with EVBox Group and TSG to install 3,500 charging ports across Bridgestone’s European retail and service network in the next five years. The project will begin in France and Italy before expanding into the UK, Germany, Poland, Spain, and other European countries.

The changes to the HGV driver testing process announced on 10 September show the government is now moving at pace towards a solution to the current driver shortage, according to business group Logistics UK.

The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the positive response from the Department for Transport (DfT) to the trials of longer semi-trailers (LSTs), finding them to be safer, more economical, and better for the environment.

The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

DKV Mobility, one of the leading mobility service providers in Europe, has launched a new service to enable customers to settle toll charges electronically in Poland.

The development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries with a range similar to internal combustion engines, and that can charge in as little as 12 minutes, were among projects awarded £91 million of UK government and industry funding on 18 August, 2021.

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has announced the launch of a campaign to recruit additional HGV driving examiners in England and Wales in an attempt to reduce the chronic shortage of lorry drivers, currently estimated to be around 100,000.

Vehicle manufacturer, Scania is to participate in a major feasibility study into the operation of long haul electrified trucks utilising dynamic charging provided by overhead wires on electric roads.

Changes to the Highway Code that will create a hierarchy of responsibility for road users are expected to be ratified by the UK government later this year. ​

As the world faces a shortage of truck drivers, youngsters could offer a glimmer of hope for the future of HGV transport, according to a leading driving experience provider.

The sale of new under 26-tonne diesel and petrol trucks are to be banned in the UK by 2035 with larger vehicles following suit in 2040. The UK government has already said it will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and that it will replace its own fleet of 40,000 cars and vans three years earlier in 2027.

Quartix, a leading supplier of subscription-based vehicle tracking systems, has announced the appointment of Richard Lilwall as managing director and CEO. Richard takes over from Andy Walters, who will retire following 20 years' service in October.

Almost 600 offences were discovered in a week of action in May by police and personnel from Highways England patrolling the M6 motorway in unmarked HGV ‘supercabs’. The HGV tractor units give officers a clear view into cabs and often catch offending drivers unawares.

The European Commission (EC) has announced that from 2 August, 2021 UK drivers will no longer be required to carry Green Card insurance when travelling to EU countries.

In an attempt to ease the effects of the chronic shortage of HGV drivers – now estimated to be around 100,000 - the UK government has announced a temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours rules.