“There are driver shortages right across Europe as well, but the EU has committed to improving driver facilities and haulage companies are committed to improving pay and conditions. Until the UK offers the same pay and working conditions as drivers have in the EU then many will stay away.”
Earlier this week, Brussels committed to a financial package to building new truck parking areas with improved facilities across the EU.
Last year, the EU also introduced new rules on road transport to end the distortion of competition in the sector while providing better working conditions for drivers.
The pay disparity between drivers from western and eastern Europe has also been levelling out since Covid and the logistics sector has face a huge rise in demand.
The UK’s leading trucking group also believes the granting of visas to EU drivers is only part of the solution to the nation’s shortage.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates there are 100,000 HGV vacancies, and blames the shortfall on a post-Brexit exodus of European drivers and a lack of driver training during the pandemic.