Castle Point Member of Parliament, Rebecca Harris, got behind the wheel of a 40 foot HGV on Canvey this week to raise awareness of the problems facing the British haulage industry.

Britain faces a shortfall of up to 60,000 licensed and qualified truck drivers with potentially worrying consequences for the industry’s ability to deliver high quality services. 80% of UK freight is moved by road and 2.2 million people are employed by the haulage and logistics sectors. The industry is worth an estimated £74 billion to the UK economy.

Mrs Harris is keen to stress the benefits of a career as an HGV driver. The Conservative MP took to the road on Canvey this weekend under the supervision of qualified HGV instructor Tony Bensusan. Speaking after her short drive, Mrs Harris told us:

“The Haulage industry is vital to the continued growth of the UK economy. We are literally dependent on lorry drivers for 85% of the food, clothing and other consumer goods we rely on in this country. I would encourage people in Castle Point to seriously consider a career as a qualified HGV driver – if only to keep me off the roads!”

The event took place at the Calor Plant on Canvey Island. Calor, one of the borough’s largest employers, welcomed the action taken by Mrs Harris to highlight this issue. Mr Graeme Lockwood, Calor’s National Terminals Manager, said:

“We are experiencing a shortage of suitably qualified drivers, particularly in the South East and around London. The continuing increase in demand for drivers across all industry sectors, and significant decrease in supply is also meaning that wages are increasing and competition is fierce.”

Mr Jack Semple of the Road Haulage Association praised the intervention of the Castle Point MP, saying:

“This worrying lack of drivers for the industry needs to be brought to the wider attention of the Government and Parliament. Events like these are a great way to highlight the campaign.”

Anyone wishing to look into the possibility of starting a career in the haulage or logistics sector should visit the website of the Road Haulage Association for further details. https://www.rha.uk.net/