Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin has advised customers to order their online Christmas shopping early, as concerns rise over a shortage of delivery drivers.

According to the Conservative Home website, Mr McLoughlin said: “I think we’ll be alright. But I’d advise everybody to get their shopping done.”

The concern comes after the new Certificate of Professional Competence was introduced in September. The qualification requires drivers to undergo 35 hours of training, for which they must pay £300.

Drivers who do not sign up for the qualification face fines of up to £1,000. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has estimated that the country now faces a shortfall of 60,000 drivers. With only six weeks to go until Christmas, this has the potential to cause chaos for businesses and consumers alike.

However, Mr McLoughlin feels the qualification is important for road safety. He said: “If you’re driving a motor vehicle, with the investment you’ve got in that motor vehicle, it’s no bad thing to know what you’re doing.”