UK PROPOSALS to fast-track training of HGV drivers in a bid to tackle the current haulage crisis have been condemned as a dangerous move which could put road users at risk.

This was the message which has been circulating amongst drivers and trainers in the sector who have raised concerns at a new Government consultation looking at ways to clear the backlog of 40,000 tests missed last year due to the pandemic.

The UK Government are considering scrapping the current staging requirements for licence acquisition which would allow drivers to skip their rigid lorry test and move straight on to their artic lorry test.

“It is a disaster waiting to happen,” warned Inverness based HGV trainer, Michael Taylor. “My remit is to teach individuals to drive safely, not to pass a test. But as the pressure grows to increase the amount of licence holders, unscrupulous trainers may see this as an opportunity to make a quick buck, churning out drivers who are a danger to other road users,” he said, adding that many across the industry share his concerns.

However the Road Haulage Association is in favour of the change, and pointed out that under present legislation, new drivers can already go from a car license to an articulated lorry within a matter of weeks, and argued that this would only speed up this process, freeing up test capacity for those wishing to pass their tractor test, amongst others.

The head of training for the RHA in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brian Kenny, commented: “No trainer is going to put an individual up for a test if they aren’t ready, they wouldn’t run the risk, but by removing the need to take the rigid lorry test in order to gain your artic license, could free up tests for those looking for van licenses, trailers and tractors, which there is a huge backlog of right now.”

The SF also heard from agency driver Alexander McCabe, who said that the consultation ignored calls from the industry to address poor pay, as a means to address the current shortages.

“If the UK want to attract and retain drivers, there should be a minimum wage set to protect us from companies driving rates down and there should be remuneration according to our experience,” said Mr McCabe, who added that within 17 years, his pay rate has increased a mere £1.07 to £11.07 an hour.

He was recently offered a job by milk processor Arla, which he was told would offer him earning potential of up to £75,000 a year, but that it came with a five-part bonus structure which he said put him off.

“Everyone’s answer right now is to offer bonuses to drivers, but these bonuses can be removed at any point, so the security isn’t there,” he said. “I have friends who moved to different supermarkets offering £2000 sign on bonuses, but they won’t receive that money until April next year. It is all smoke and mirrors and nothing is really addressing the issue of poor base salary pay in the sector. Bonuses are just an excuse to keep our actual wages low.”

Another driver, who wished to remain anonymous, stressed that there is no formal training in the industry on how to load goods and secure them safely. "This is left to the discretion of your employer and is a safety concern which will only be exacerbated by more inexperienced drivers being given the keys to 55-foot articulated lorries, with only a matter of days training under their belt."

Mr Kenny confirmed that they have brought this up with the Scottish Government and are asking for funding to be put into a fuller training schedule, as opposed to focusing on license acquisition, but stressed that in reality, nobody would be willing to spare the time and money on this given the current shortage crisis.