Extension of road freight cabotage will put more pressure on lorry parking, says Logistics UK

However, the business group fears one unintended consequence of the extension will be to force more drivers to park overnight in lay-bys. 

“Our members supported a temporary, limited extension to the system as this will mitigate some of the impacts caused by the current driver shortage for the supply chain,” explained James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, Logistics UK, “The breathing space provided by the extension will enable British drivers to be recruited, trained and tested. Logistics UK’s priority is supply chain resilience, and that we keep Britain trading.”

The length of time permitted for overseas drivers to work for hire or reward in the UK is an area of concern for Logistics UK.

“During the consultation on the new plans, Logistics UK asked that the period of cabotage be for seven, not 14, days,” Firth explained, “By allowing non-UK hauliers to work in the UK for 14 days, the drivers’ legally mandated weekly rest will need to be taken in the UK.  This will increase pressure on the existing allocation of HGV parking spaces, which the government itself assesses as being at least 1,400 spaces short, and will lead to more drivers being forced to sleep overnight on the sides of roads or in insecure locations.

“It is also vital that the temporary nature of this extension is adhered to, to ensure competition from non-UK businesses has a minimal impact on British haulage companies.  We have received a commitment from government that the arrangements will be reviewed after three months and that there will be increased monitoring and enforcement.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/road

Published On: 04/11/2021 16:00:04

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