🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Logistics UK’s driver shortage campaign shows impressive results
Logistics UK’s concerted campaign for greater government action on the nationwide driver shortage is paying dividends, with a string of government announcements and assurances.
Two of the three regulatory changes to streamline licence acquisition have already taken effect. Legislation to remove the requirement to hold B+E entitlement for light vehicles pulling large trailers was delayed in Parliament – this is now expected to come into effect in late December. However, DVSA has already ceased examining B+E entitlement meaning the intended easements to vocational testing demand should have already taken effect.
The tender process for the Skills Bootcamps has also completed, which, when operational early next year will deliver an extra £10m funding to support new entrants. Funding for lorry parking improvements and driver facilities has also been announced.
On driver testing, Logistics UK is calling for transparent data on the number of tests available to help members find available slots near to where they operate.
Logistics UK gave evidence in person and in writing to the Transport Select Committee yesterday (24 November 2021) to assess the performance of government in tackling the issue of driver shortage.
“We are now in the position of holding government to account, to ensure it delivers on its promises,” said James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, Logistics UK, “Looking ahead we will continue to engage with the government’s long-term review of Driver CPC, working with members to seek their views and providing evidence to help inform the government’s policy decisions.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/skills
Published On: 25/11/2021 14:33:27
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In brief
BORDER OPERATING MODEL REVISED
The government published an updated Border Operating Model last week (18 November 2021). The updated version includes two important changes. Firstly, the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) can be used to facilitate the control of pre-lodged declarations for both accompanied and unaccompanied goods at border locations from January 2022. This comes after we called on HMRC to implement this model, as it provides a level playing field between accompanied and unaccompanied freight in regards to customs procedures.
Secondly, the government announced that full EU to GB sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls will begin on 1 July 2022 for animal, plant and meat products and high-risk food not of animal origin. From 1 September 2022 checks will be introduced for dairy products and from 1 November for all remaining animal products, including composite and fish products.
www.logistics.org.uk/brexit
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