The UK Government is currently looking into whether the HGV cabotage extension introduced in October 2021 to alleviate pressures in the supply chain should continue.
Currently due to end on the 30th April 2022, the extension allows unlimited cabotage movements for EU HGVs in the UK for up to 14 days instead of two movements in 7 days.
DRIVER SHORTAGES
Logistics UK reported in December 2021 that fewer drivers were leaving the profession and there had been a 25% increase in HGV drivers test between July and September compared to the same period in 2019. The RHA reported in November 2021 that whilst shortages were still a problem, deliveries were happening more effectively.
CABOTAGE EXTENSION SURVEY
The government has published a summary of what they have learnt so far from an initial cabotage extension survey -
- 8% of respondents were aware of the cabotage extension and had taken advantage of it
- 50% of those who had used the extension performed an additional two cabotage movements per trip to the UK
- Foreign HGVs were involved in similar rates of serious accidents
- Non-GB HGVs with serious defects and traffic offences were higher
- No significant reductions in haulage rate or driver pay
- No shortage of work for UK haulage companies
The RHA is also calling on the haulage sector to make their opinions heard.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The business consultation will continue until the 24rd March. Hauliers can complete the 'Ending or extending temporary exemptions to road haulage cabotage' survey, which will help the government decide whether to revert to the original cabotage levels (no more than two movements by EU hauliers in a 7 day period), look at restoring the extension in time for Christmas 2022 or continuing the additional rights after the 30th April either for a short period or a longer extension until 31st December 2022.
The full Road Transport Cabotage report is avaliable on the Gov.uk website.