The effects of this shortage have already begun, and one of the mitigations that is being attempted[1] is to use prison workers to try to bridge the gap, under

The effects of this shortage have already begun, and one of the mitigations that is being attempted[1] is to use prison workers to try to bridge the gap, under a scheme known as Release on Temporary License (ROTL). There is evidence[2] (published 2018, source data 2012-2013) that ROTL leads to reduced rates of reoffending; that scheme was designed to operate based on brief prisoner releases into social settings, and so it will have to be seen whether those results replicate in the context of HGV transportation, and whether sufficient training will be provided to temporary drivers. The UK Government is considering[3] and/or proposing adjustments to delivery hours for supermarkets, and may try to reduce some of the requirements around off-road manouvering that are part of the HGV license test. It looks like they're also trying to press for reduced test requirements for standard car license holders looking to use vans/trailers, to ease burden on driving test evaluators (essentially, to allow more people to take and pass the HGV tests, but with the side-effect of reducing safety requirements for heavy vehicles in both personal and business contexts). [1] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58303679 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58303679 [2] - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/709123/rotl-report.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/... [3] - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1004268/hgv-driver-shortage-letter-to-industry.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/...