Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the shortage of qualified HGV drivers in the road haulage industry; what steps he is taking to address that shortage; and if he will make a statement.

The Departments for Transport, Work and Pensions and Education are working with stakeholders to address this issue. This includes the development of a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship standard for HGV drivers funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, help for jobseekers to enter the logistics sector and work to address the gender imbalance in the industry.

As part of efforts to improve the image of the profession the Department for Transport has also commissioned a survey of roadside facilities and is working with Highways England, local authorities and operators to ensure more and better quality facilities for drivers.

The Department and its agencies have also worked to minimise delays in obtaining an HGV test appointments and licence renewals.