HGV driver banned after causing serious M25 collision

An HGV driver who caused a seven-vehicle road traffic collision on the M25 while under the influence of cocaine has been disqualified from driving for three and a half years. Alan Smith, aged 37, from Poynton in Stockport, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday 10 July where he was also handed a 24-month […]

HGV driver fired for speed camera obstruction

A lorry driver has been sacked after being found guilty of deliberately parking his vehicle in front of a mobile speed camera van and obstructing staff. South Yorkshire police said the behaviour of the unnamed driver, who was in his 50s, was “particularly disappointing” given he drove for a living and spent a greater amount […]

National Highways launches HGV blind spots safety campaign

National Highways has launched a new safety campaign, amid concerns about drivers’ awareness of heavy goods vehicle ‘blind spots’ when overtaking. It says car and van drivers can underestimate limitations HGV drivers face in seeing passing vehicles. In a recent survey commissioned by National Highways, while nearly three quarters of people said they take extra […]

DfT spending £20 million to improve roadside facilities for HGV drivers

The Government has announced it’s spending £20 million to improve roadside facilities for HGV drivers, saying it’s part of continued action with industry to boost driver welfare and tackle the effects of the global driver shortage in the UK. The funding is part of National Highways’ existing £169m Users and Communities Fund, and will go […]

Trainers turn to Virtual Reality to teach new HGV drivers

One of the UK’s largest HGV training companies has turned to Virtual Reality technology to help prospective drivers learn key safety procedures more effectively and get test-ready quicker amid a shortage of available training vehicles. Over the past few months, the UK has suffered a shortage of more than 100,000 qualified HGV drivers. and the […]

Government announces major review into HGV driver training

The Government is promising what it calls a sweeping review which it says will seek to improve compulsory ongoing training for HGV and bus drivers. It’s one of 30 measures the government says is supporting the road haulage sector and encouraging even more people to return to the profession. Drivers currently need to undergo five days of […]