The Times letters, 5 November 2014

Sir, The UK’s road transport and logistics industry is in desperate need of 45,000 new truck drivers. This shortage already affects 70 per cent of logistics providers and most others expect to be affected soon.

The issue is fast becoming significant: unless urgent action is taken by the government and the industry as a whole, shoppers could be facing empty shelves, if not this Christmas, then next.

We are asking George Osborne to use his autumn statement on December 3 to announce national funding to help UK residents to gain their LGV driving licence and certificate of professional competence. The UK’s economy is improving but it’s up to the road transport industry to ensure that the supply chain keeps moving.
Richard Burnett, chief executive, Road Haulage Association;
Steve Agg, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; Steve Hobson, editor, Motor Transport