Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support the physical and mental health of lorry drivers.

The Department for Transport has been raising awareness among road freight sector trade associations, businesses and unions of the driver health training module, developed by Loughborough University and approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. This is available as part of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence training for HGV drivers.

As part of the Men’s Health Strategy, the Department for Health and Social Care is working with the road freight sector to increase uptake of free NHS Health Checks by HGV drivers.

In addition, the Department for Transport, National Highways and industry are investing in improved facilities, additional parking spaces and security measures at lorry parks and truck stops which can contribute to the better physical and mental health of HGV drivers at work.