DRIVER SHORTAGE SET TO TRIPLE IF NO NECESSARY ACTIONS ARE TAKEN

By 2026, the number of unfilled truck driver positions is expected to have tripled to over 60% and the number of open bus and coach driver positions will have more than multiplied to almost 50% due to the widening gap between retiring and new drivers.​​

By 2026, Europe would lack more than two million drivers, which would affect half of all freight movements and millions of passenger trips if nothing is done to increase access to and appeal of the driving profession. The research outlines worrisome data on the difficulties for drivers entering the profession, particularly for young people and women.

The data from several European nations confirm the difficulties in recruiting that the UK transportation sector faces. Despite the DVLA eliminating significant lockdown backlogs to let thousands of new drivers behind the wheel, there is still a shortage of about 50,000 truck drivers. Only about 2% of the driver workforce in the UK is female.

To aid the sector in attracting and keeping more talent, roadside facilities must be improved. Drivers frequently complain about the poor quality of restrooms, showers, and food on the road. In the UK, there is a shortage of approximately 11,000 safe and secure parking spots for truckers. The RHA is urging the government to make planning regulations simpler so that developers can construct much-needed new truck stops on our highways.

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