Skills for Logistics (SfL) has repeated warnings that the UK is heading for a shortage of professional drivers. 

According to Commercial Motor, the organisation has not seen anything to alleviate the fears it expressed when news of the driver certificate of professional competence (Driver CPC) first came out. 

The new qualifications will become mandatory in September, meaning all new drivers and some existing ones will need to pass this assessment in order to drive professionally. SfL warns that data released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency reveals the industry will not be ready in time.

According to the report, 694,638 out of 750,000 professional drivers had started Driver CPC training by December last year. This means that around 55,000 still have not begun the necessary work, with the deadline fast approaching. Meanwhile, less than half of those currently engaged in the process have achieved accreditation.  

Julie McDonald, director of a training school in Kent, commented: "There are still some not committing to it, while others are panicking as they can't do the dates we have left."

SfL has confirmed it is in talks with a number of organisations to devise a series of projects, in the hope of avoiding the shortage.