Lorry drivers allowed to work longer hours as fears of empty shelves grow
Truck drivers will be able to drive for longer hours from Monday in a bid to relieve the current shortage of haulier operators, the government today announced.
Transport minister Grant Shapps tweeted: “We’re aware of a shortage of HGV drivers, so I’m announcing a temp extension of drivers’ hours rules from Monday 12 July, giving flexibility to drivers & operators to make slightly longer journeys”.
Lorry drivers will be able to drive for up to 10 hours a day, the BBC reported, up from the usual nine.
But the move was hammered by unions, who said the measure was nothing but a “sticking plaster” and also warned that it could cause safety problems.
Road Haulage Association (RHA) Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said: “We oppose wholesale extensions to drivers’ hours as we believe they can be counter-productive by making the job less attractive.
“Loading more hours on to drivers that are already exhausted is not the answer – the problem needs more than just a sticking plaster.
“Ministers should be mindful that road safety is the reason HGV drivers’ hours are limited. Relaxing them should only be used as a last resort to resolve short-term issues that cannot be addressed in other ways.”
In recent weeks a number of prominent businesses and organisations have warned that the driver shortage is becoming a serious threat to normal trade patterns.
German sweetmakers Haribo said it could struggle to get its gummy bears to the UK due to the dearth of drivers, while Topshop owner Premier Foods said the government should deploy the Army to assist with the situation.
The problem is not just affecting retail businesses. Last week the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) said the dearth was becoming a “critical nationwide problem” for the construction industry.
It said that the UK had lost 15,000 European drivers due to Brexit, while as many as 30,000 drivers had seen their work disrupted due to Covid requirements like testing.