HGV drivers Kept the Economy Moving During Covid - But Are Now “Forgotten”, says Shadow Cabinet Secretary

The vital role HGV drivers played keeping the economy moving during the Covid pandemic was "recognised and understood, but four years later they have been forgotten" according to Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport Sue Webber MSP. The Shadow Cabinet Secretary was speaking to open a roundtable discussion on HGV Driver Facilities organised by business group Logistics UK and held at the Scottish Parliament today (10 September).

The Shadow Cabinet Secretary was joined at the industry event by representatives of Logistics UK, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) and Logistics UK member businesses from across Scotland.

Ms Webber also remarked that "failing to support our HGV drivers impacts economically on our entire economy and impacts the price of goods we buy" and said that it is critical to have "safe and secure locations for trucks to stop" in order "to address the escalating levels of freight crime". The Shadow Cabinet Secretary concluded her comments saying, "our drivers deserve better."

According to Logistics UK, Scotland currently faces a chronic shortage of safe, high-quality truck stops, particularly in the Highlands and rural areas that, while geographically remote, play a vital role in the logistics and supply chain network. The business group is calling for the Scottish government to undertake an evidence-based national review of truck stop requirements in Scotland to identify geographic gaps, priority corridors, and minimum standards

Speaking after the event, Logistics UK Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman said, "More than 200,000 people are employed in logistics roles in Scotland which represents 7.8% of the nation's workforce but their contribution to the country's growth and the economy as a whole is not always recognised. Scottish trade is enabled by the logistics sector and HGV drivers but their health, safety and wellbeing is not prioritised by officials or planners. This has to change. 

"Alongside a national review of the current network of rest facilities for logistics workers, we are also calling for truck stops to be incorporated into planning frameworks and the introduction of a specific crime code for freight crime to enable better data collection and appropriate sentencing. Those driving freight around the country, and further afield, must have access to the same hygiene and rest facilities afforded to those who work in offices, shops and factories – to expect them to be unable to access safe, clean and secure places to rest and eat during and at the end of a working day is unacceptable."

Logistics UK is one of the UK's biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk