Title

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Council leaders warn HGV driver shortage could hit gritting services

Local authority leaders have warned that the HGV driver shortage might hit gritting services this winter.

Local authority leaders have warned that the HGV driver shortage might hit gritting services this winter.

Transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, Cllr David Renard, said councils were working to ensure their winter services were as resilient as possible.

However, he warned that the shortage of HGV drivers could undermine the ability of councils to ensure roads were safe to drive this winter.

He said: ‘While most councils have been able to keep services running, some may find that their gritting services are affected in the same way that some have seen waste collection services impacted.

‘To ensure that the impact of HGV driver shortages in minimised on critical services over this winter we would urge Government to consider all possibilities to work with councils to build staff capacity.

'This includes fast-tracking HGV driver testing for council-nominated drivers and supporting more training for these sectors.'

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

How Knowsley transformed adult social care for residents

By Sarah Smith | 03 November 2025

Knowsley has grappled with health inequalities and complex social challenges. Now, through its ambitious ‘One Council’ approach – focused on early interventi...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Forging the strategic planning skills that power devo

By Pooja Agrawal | 31 October 2025

The Government expects every regional body and strategic authority to prepare Spatial Development Strategies. Despite stretched planning resources, Pooja Agr...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Minister accuses Reform council of 'Victorian era' policy

By Martin Ford | 30 October 2025

A Reform UK council leader has been accused of ‘taking our children back to the Victorian era’ by education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Can council working relationships survive an extreme political shift?

By Blair McPherson | 30 October 2025

Blair McPherson looks at what happens to relationships between officers and members when an extreme party gains power.

Popular articles by William Eichler