The government has announced a package of measures to support recruitment and retention within the road haulage industry to ease pressure on the sector.

In an open letter to the road haulage sector, ministers pledged to work with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplify training and encourage people to stay in the industry.

A new consultation will be launched on allowing drivers to take one test to drive both an articulated and rigid lorry. 

This would streamline the process for new drivers to gain their HGV licence and would increase lorry test appointment availability. 

The consultation will also look at allowing trainers to examine drivers in the off-road manoeuvres part of the HGV driving test, and look at whether specific car and trailer tests should be required. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I understand the challenges faced by drivers and operators right now and while longer-term solutions must be led first and foremost by industry leaders, today we are saying this government is here to help.

“This set of measures will kickstart that help, easing pressure on the sector as we work together to attract new drivers, improve conditions and ensure the industry’s future is a prosperous one.” 

The government is also looking to help the road haulage sector improve the working conditions of drivers.

It will support this, initially, by working alongside the industry to support more official parking spaces for lorry drivers and look at ways to improve the standard of lorry parks.