September 22, 2021
Abby Nuttall
Articles
The UK has been living in a post Brexit world for years now and yet we’re still feeling the knock on effects that hadn’t been predicted.
As part of their review of EU laws and updating the British transport regulations generally overhaul the government has committed to exploring the possibility of allowing private sector MOT tests for heavy vehicles.
Currently only cars and vans can be tested by a private provider.
In the coming months we expect to see more and more consultations and recommendations from the government in the transportation sector, especially as the government has advised they are committed to delivering a more convenient and modernised system for all drivers with the potential digitalisation of driving licences, driving test certificates and MOT testing processes.
We will keep you updated on any changes that might affect your fleet or drivers.
HGV Driver Shortages
We couldn’t write about HGVs without mentioning the current driver shortages.
You might have heard about HGV driver shortages in the news, seen the adverts for UK qualified HGV drivers or the empty shelves in the supermarkets and closed petrol pumps due to stock not arriving. This shortage of drivers is thought to be caused in part by the shortage of European drivers available to transport goods in the UK.
Since July of this year, the UK government has relaxed the rules on HGV driving times to try and combat the shortage, but this is not a long term solution. Longer hours mean more strain on the existing drivers, increasing the potential risk of accident due to tiredness, as well as not increasing the overall workforce hours available to the levels needed.
The previous limit of nine hours on four days and 10 hours for another two days was increased to 10 hours all working days and 11 hours twice a week.
Though the news on MOT testing is good, we hope to hear more soon about how the government plan to deal with the shortage that is currently having an impact on the entire UK economy.