Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to help (a) retain bus, coach and HGV drivers and (b) encourage the return of former drivers to the sector.

The Government recognises the important contribution that professional drivers make to the nation, the economy, and business.

The Government is supporting the training of new HGV drivers through Apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps but recognises that more needs to be done to retain drivers. Lorry drivers will soon benefit from improved roadside facilities and safer rest areas thanks to up to £100 million investment from industry and Government via the ‘HGV parking and welfare grant scheme’ and National Highways funding to improve roadside facilities.

In November 2022, the Department and Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) co-chaired a Bus and Coach Driver Summit to understand and address the issues causing driver shortages. Following the Bus and Coach Driver Summit, the Department has been working with CPT to take forward the actions identified.