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

The MJ crowns Local Authority of the Year

By Martin Ford | 19 June 2026

The heroic work of councils across the country was recognised this afternoon at The MJ Achievement Awards 2026.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Seizing the opportunity of local government reorganisation

By Cllr Richard Wright | 19 June 2026

Rather than recreating existing structures, councils should use reorganisation to transform services, strengthen local accountability and improve outcomes fo...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Reed defied officials' advice on DPP reorg plans

By Paul Marinko | 18 June 2026

Essex and Norfolk CCs have hit out at ministers ignoring the advice of Whitehall officials over reorganisation plans as the prospect of legal challenges grows.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The leadership promotion trap

By Ryan Miller | 18 June 2026

Ryan Miller notes that the skills required to perform in a role are often different to those required to lead people – and the most successful organisations ...

Popular articles by William Eichler