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

Levelling the paying field

By Martin Ford | 17 September 2025

With a host of newly-minted unitaries set to spring up around England in the coming months and years, Martin Ford looks at the thorny issue of pay harmonisation

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Selling the family silver

By Joe Fyans | 16 September 2025

A new approach to council asset management is needed that takes greater account of community cohesion and public service demand management, argues Joe Fyans.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Cash flow warning over council tax change

By Joe Lepper | 15 September 2025

Plans to switch council tax billing from 10 to 12-month instalments could leave local authorities with cash flow problems, experts have warned.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Poverty costs us all - so we all need to act

By Matthew Oakley | 15 September 2025

Tackling UK poverty requires cross-societal action, local government leadership, and a new social contract, with coordinated efforts to improve housing, well...

Popular articles by William Eichler