Guidance & Support

Innovate UK has announced the locations for a nationwide network of 54 electric HGV charging hubs to support the shift to zero-emission freight transport. These hubs are being developed through four key projects—Project Electric Freightway, eFREIGHT2030, ZENFreight, and HyHAUL - under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure programme. The announcement follows the opening of the UK's fifth electric HGV charging hub in Immingham, the first UK site launched by Milence.

At the recent Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrations (ZEHID) summit in London, attended by over 400 businesses, Innovate UK outlined its £200 million investment plan. This will fund hundreds of zero-emission HGVs alongside essential charging and fuelling infrastructure. Simon Buckley, knowledge transfer manager for Zero Emission Mobility, said the hubs will tackle a key challenge—reliable charging. The hubs will be spread across the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with most in England.

Moto, a major motorway service provider, plans to install up to 300 electric HGV charging bays at 23 locations by 2030. Construction on the first two superhubs, in Exeter and Tamworth, begins in April following planning approval. RHA senior policy lead Chris Ashley welcomed the long-awaited infrastructure plans, saying they will give operators confidence in moving away from diesel.

Industry leaders see this as progress but warn of remaining challenges. Wincanton CEO James Wroath noted that while infrastructure expansion is positive, cost barriers still hinder electric HGV adoption. Research shows only 25% of logistics firms expect alternative fuel vehicles to be affordable within six years. With over half struggling to meet net-zero targets, experts urge more government support, financial incentives, and faster infrastructure development.

The heads of 30 leading UK businesses have written to Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP, urging the government to prioritise the logistics sector in its forthcoming Industrial Strategy. Spearheaded by business group Logistics UK, the signatories - including Amazon, Heathrow Airport, and Tesco - highlight the crucial role of supply chains in supporting all areas of the economy and call for logistics to be represented on the newly formed Industrial Strategy Council.

David Wells OBE, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, emphasised that logistics underpins the success of every industry, ensuring the smooth operation of hospitals, schools, factories, and retailers. He warned that failing to acknowledge the sector’s importance would hinder economic growth. The government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper has introduced the concept of ‘foundational sectors’ - industries that provide essential support to others - and business leaders argue that logistics must be formally recognised as one of them.

The UK’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index has dropped from 4th to 19th over the past decade, largely due to congestion, border delays, and inadequate transport infrastructure investment. Wells stressed that reversing this trend through targeted policies and investment could unlock up to £8 billion in annual productivity-led growth, as identified by Oxford Economics.

The business leaders are calling for logistics to have a dedicated voice on the Industrial Strategy Council to ensure the sector is fully integrated into the UK’s growth strategy. They argue that improving efficiency in goods movement is essential to boosting the economy, and that a partnership between government and business would help deliver long-term prosperity.

The UK is once again facing a shortage of lorry drivers, raising concerns about potential supply chain disruptions and empty supermarket shelves. While the industry saw a temporary boost in recruitment following the Covid crisis - driven by wage increases and financial incentives - the number of HGV drivers has now dropped to around 266,000, more than 20,000 fewer than pre-pandemic levels.

A key factor behind the decline is the ageing workforce. According to training provider HGVT, over half of HGV drivers are aged between 50 and 65, while fewer than 2% are under 25. With a large portion of drivers expected to retire in the next decade, the lack of young recruits is set to worsen the shortfall. Meanwhile, rising minimum wages have narrowed the pay gap between lorry drivers and lower-skilled jobs, making the role less financially appealing. In 2011, HGV drivers earned 62% more than the minimum wage, but today that figure has dropped to just 38%.

Long and unpredictable hours remain a major deterrent, particularly for younger workers looking to maintain a work-life balance. Chris Kirk from Maritime Transport noted that new recruits are often put off by being away from home for extended periods, making it difficult to juggle family commitments.

Additionally, the increasing use of surveillance technology, such as in-cab cameras monitoring driver fatigue, has added to frustrations within the industry. Many drivers feel they are being excessively monitored, further discouraging people from entering or staying in the profession. With recruitment slowing and retirements increasing, the industry is bracing for further challenges in the years ahead.

A new law set to be introduced in England and Wales will outlaw sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals to steal cars. More than 700,000 vehicles were broken into last year, with high-tech gadgets like signal jammers playing a role in a significant proportion of thefts. These devices, which interfere with remote key fobs, are believed to be involved in nearly 40% of vehicle thefts nationwide, rising to 60% in London. Until now, police could only take action if they could prove a device had been used in a specific crime, but under the new legislation, possession alone will require justification.

The upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will make it an offence to make or sell signal jammers, keyless repeaters, and signal amplifiers, with offenders facing up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine. Criminals have increasingly exploited these technologies to bypass vehicle security, allowing them to unlock and steal cars without physical break-ins. Organised crime groups have taken advantage of security loopholes, constantly adapting to evade detection.

Authorities believe banning these devices will help reduce vehicle theft and disrupt criminal networks. Law enforcement officials argue that such equipment serves no legitimate purpose and has made car crime easier for offenders. Police chiefs have welcomed the move, stating that restricting the availability of these tools will support efforts to prevent thefts and protect both individuals and businesses.

Motoring organisations have also urged car manufacturers to improve security features to prevent criminals from exploiting vulnerabilities. The government’s proposed bill, due to be presented to Parliament this week, aims to strengthen the fight against vehicle crime and provide law enforcement with more power to tackle thefts enabled by electronic interference.

A new investigation into fire risks linked to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) has outlined measures to improve the design and safety of charging infrastructure. Commissioned by Connected Places Catapult, part of Innovate UK, the study highlights the importance of fire risk assessments to ensure safe site development, as larger eHGV batteries pose a greater potential for severe incidents.

Previous fires involving electric vehicles have shown extreme thermal energy, making them difficult to extinguish. With eHGVs having significantly larger batteries, careful site planning is essential to prevent fire spread. The study recommends expanding space between vehicles and charging points, while sites with limited space should use fire barriers, isolation areas, and enhanced detection systems. Research suggests EVs are less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles, though their fires are often more severe. Overheating, overcharging, and manufacturing defects are potential causes, though many remain unidentified due to the destruction these fires cause.

To improve safety, the report calls for better awareness of eHGV fire risks within transport and logistics. It stresses the need for site segregation to prevent widespread damage and recommends thermal sensors, AI-powered CCTV detection, and onboard battery management systems that isolate failing batteries before a fire escalates.

These measures, already in use for electric buses, should now be adopted for eHGV charging infrastructure to ensure safer operations and reduce potential risks.

Edinburgh City Council has introduced a new fleet of heavy goods vehicles and welfare buses fitted with advanced safety features. The 152 HGVs, including bin lorries, road sweepers, gritters, mobile libraries, and construction vehicles, along with 27 buses transporting children with Additional Support Needs, have been equipped with cameras, sensors, and warning systems to reduce collision risks. This investment is part of a £56.8 million fleet asset management plan running until 2029, with over £25 million allocated to these vehicles.

The initiative follows the tragic death of 11-year-old Thomas Wong, who was fatally injured in a collision with a bin lorry in Barnton while cycling to school in March last year. In response, the council has accelerated its commitment to vehicle safety. Inspired by Transport for London’s Progressive Safe System, introduced in October 2024, all new HGVs feature blind spot cameras, moving-off sensors, audible turning alerts, and an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS). Welfare buses, though not HGVs, have also been fitted with these safety measures as they frequently operate in school zones and busy areas.

The council has already received over 70 new vehicles, with the full fleet expected to be operational by March 2025. Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson praised the investment, highlighting Edinburgh’s leadership in fleet safety and encouraging other cities to follow suit.

Jenkinson reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safe and efficient services, expressing confidence these measures will make a real difference. He believes this initiative will enhance safety across Edinburgh and encourage wider adoption of similar standards nationwide.

HGVC, a specialist in HGV driver training, has launched an exclusive app to support trainee drivers and simplify the training process. This latest initiative is part of the company’s efforts to address the UK’s ongoing HGV driver shortage. The app provides a step-by-step overview of progress, consolidating all training and testing stages into one platform. Regular notifications help users stay on schedule, ensuring a smoother learning experience.

A key feature of the app is its theory test support, offering instant access to DVSA-approved materials. Trainees can also benefit from real-time assistance via live chat, allowing them to seek guidance whenever needed. By integrating these resources, HGVC aims to remove barriers to the profession and make training more accessible.

HGVC has played a key role in reducing the HGV driver shortage through Government-funded Skills Bootcamps. Introduced in 2021 by the Department for Education, these 16-week courses cover up to 100% of training costs, helping thousands qualify. While HGV driver employment rose by 20.9% between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024, challenges like an ageing workforce persist.

James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “The driver shortage has been a long-term issue, with high demand for skilled drivers and major entry barriers. Skills Bootcamps have helped candidates secure well-paid roles in 16 weeks. Our app will further simplify training, ensuring more drivers enter the workforce efficiently.”

A new report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warns that the UK logistics sector requires 40,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years to maintain supply chain stability. The report, Lorry Drivers: The Vital Link, highlights that road freight accounts for 81% of goods transported in the UK, emphasising the critical role of HGV drivers. Forecasts suggest that by 2029, demand for qualified drivers will rise to nearly 740,000, compared to the 700,000 currently required. However, the RHA estimates that only 684,000 drivers are actively working at present, underscoring a growing gap.

Recruitment challenges remain a key issue, with an ageing workforce adding pressure to the sector. The majority of HGV drivers are aged 50-59, while the number of drivers aged 25-34 is at its lowest in five years. Retirement, alongside health-related departures, continues to shrink the workforce. The impact of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have also contributed to the driver shortage. To address this, over 73,000 driving tests must be completed over the next five years to meet demand.

The report also raises concerns about the lack of diversity in the profession. Women make up just 2% of HGV drivers, although the proportion is slightly higher among those under 30 at 4.5%. Meanwhile, only 5.3% of drivers come from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to a national average of 16.3%. Additionally, just 1% of HGV drivers identify as LGBTQ+, significantly below the 3.5% reported across all industries.

A separate survey by fleet management firm Samsara echoes these concerns, with 69% of 500 commercial drivers agreeing that the sector is already experiencing a shortage. Additionally, 66% believe not enough young talent is entering the industry, while 53% feel that the profession is failing to attract women. Philip van der Wilt, Samsara’s senior vice president for EMEA, stressed that improving working conditions is essential to making the job safer, smarter, and more appealing to new recruits.

Drivers across Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex, and Buckinghamshire are set to benefit from faster and more efficient journeys as the government approves four major road improvement projects. The upgrades will focus on key routes, including the A350 Chippenham bypass, the A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley bypass in Leeds, the South East Aylesbury link road, and the A127/A130 Fairglen interchange in Essex.

Freight and logistics groups have welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to ease congestion and strengthen supply chains. The A350 Chippenham bypass, a crucial link between the South West, the Midlands, and the South East, will receive £90 million in funding. Planned improvements include dualling two sections of the road and enhancing a key roundabout, cutting journey times by up to 25%.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasised the importance of road infrastructure in supporting economic growth, stating that these projects will help people travel more easily while boosting connectivity. She noted that delayed investment has hindered economic progress, and these upgrades mark a step towards greater efficiency and mobility.

Michelle Gardner of Logistics UK stressed the significance of tackling congestion, which increases business costs due to delayed deliveries, excess fuel use, and inefficient transport operations. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) added that congestion costs the UK economy £30 billion annually, and these upgrades will play a vital role in unlocking economic potential.

Haulage operators in the UK can expect better road conditions with the development of a groundbreaking self-repairing asphalt that could help address the country's ongoing pothole problem, which costs an estimated £143.5m annually. The innovative asphalt, created by a team of scientists from King’s College London, Swansea University, and Chile, has the remarkable ability to repair cracks autonomously, without any human intervention.

The self-healing properties of the asphalt are thanks to tiny spores, smaller than a human hair, which are embedded in the bitumen. These spores, filled with recycled oils, are activated when the road surface is compressed by passing vehicles. The pressure causes the spores to release the oils, filling and reversing the cracks in the road. Laboratory tests have shown the material can heal microcracks in less than an hour.

Potholes are a major issue in the UK, with an estimated £16.3bn needed to repair roads, according to the latest local authority survey. Dr Francisco Martin-Martinez from King’s College explained that the self-healing asphalt mimics natural processes seen in trees and animals, which heal their wounds over time. The new material is also more sustainable, using biomass waste instead of petroleum, which could reduce reliance on natural resources.

National Highways has welcomed the development, recognising its potential to improve road maintenance and reduce disruptions. The research team believes this technology could revolutionise infrastructure and sustainability worldwide.