New EU Rules Could Cause Havoc for Deliveries

A new European Union directive requiring heavy goods vehicle drivers to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence, which involves 35 hours training, before being permitted to drive their vehicle has had a detrimental effect on road transport.

As over 60% of goods in the UK are moved by road, hauliers are now struggling to train and recruit new drivers (40% of lorry drivers are aged 50 or over). Many older drivers have decided to retire rather than put themselves through the training.

Here at Window Ware we have felt the impact in our customer service, after receiving a number of complaints from customers regarding delayed or missing items. Our main carriers, Aspray 24, are taking drastic steps to improve their delivery service but this may take some time due to the impact of the new regulations.

Recently high profile reports have been covered by news corporations including the BBC and Sky News, who are already reporting on the serious driver shortage concerns and the impact upon retail demands at Christmas.

It may be prudent therefore to allow extra time for for your deliveries, and get your Christmas gifts ordered extra early this year!