Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will convene an HGV driver taskforce to (a) increase infrastructure investment and improve conditions on the motorway networks, including investment in lorry parking and truck stops and (b) promote haulage as a career with a more diverse workforce.

The Government recognises the need to ensure hauliers have access to appropriate services and facilities. This week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £32.5 million of investment in roadside facilities for HGV drivers.

The Department will continue to engage with key stakeholders to encourage the development of more safe, secure, and high-quality lorry parking to improve driver welfare.

The Government is also aware of the demographic imbalances in the HGV driver workforce including the lack of women drivers, under 25s and drivers from ethnic minorities. Addressing these issues and creating a workforce that will better reflect society will be key to permanently solving the driver shortage.

This will be for the industry to lead on but the Government will continue to support where it can, such as improving the accessibility of facilities for women drivers and increasing the provision of overnight lorry parking.