The results reveal that operators are struggling to deal with the ever-increasing HGV driver shortage, with operators blaming Brexit uncertainty for the shortage now widening to 60,000 drivers.
RHA members are also worried about clean air zones, which will result in daily charges of up to £100 on non-Euro VI trucks. Operational costs, too, have risen above inflation – despite fuel costs lowering, in real terms, over the past 12 months.
The association is urging the next government to change the rules of the apprenticeship levy scheme so that operators can access funding to help them recruit and train new drivers. In particular, it wants levy support for C+E driver training which is not currently included.
A more in-depth look at this report will appear in the January 2020 edition of Transport Engineer.
