Ministers mull short-term visas to end haulage crisis

Officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) are consulting industry leaders on how to tackle the ongoing haulage crisis, which has led to availability issues for grocers and delays for suppliers. 

While industry representatives like the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have spent the last few weeks calling for short-term visas to be introduced to lure qualified HGV drivers over from the continent, the post-Brexit Home Office are strongly opposed to loosening restrictions. 

As a result, the DfT has asked the haulage industry to provide “compelling evidence” of the benefits a short-term visa scheme would bring, according to The Telegraph. 

It quoted one source close to the discussions as saying: “Everyone involved is sworn to secrecy as the Home Office is taking a very hard line.

“The Home Office has the final decision on this and the DfT knows it has a very tough sell, so need the very best evidence.”

The discussions are taking place after transport secretary Grant Shapps temporarily extended the working hours for lorry drivers in a bid to ease the effects of the shortage. 

While the move was welcomed by some, the RHA lashed out at the announcement saying the move may push already overworked drivers over the edge.

It estimates that the UK is currently struggling with 100,000 less HGV drivers due to a mixture of Brexit and coronavirus restrictions.