The HGV driver crisis may be showing signs of easing, according to a report by a Kent-based transport association.

Logistics UK, which represents the sector and is based in Tunbridge Wells, says there is "cautious optimism" the situation will improve after a torrid 12 months.

It says "significant steps" have been taken to address the recruitment issues which have caused the problems.

The industry was hit by a double-whammy of 2020 testing centres for HGV drivers being closed due to Covid and an exodus of drivers leaving the country as a result of Brexit.

It, in turn, put supply chains under pressure which has contributed to empty shelves and the fuel shortages seen earlier this year.

The findings emerge in the Logistics UK Skills Report 2021.

But Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at the organisation, warned more must be done to solve the issue.

She said: “The flexibility and resilience of our sector in coping with a smaller workforce, coupled with issues caused by Brexit and supply chain disruption caused by worldwide container shipping issues, have been incredible.

"With higher wages now helping to plug the gaps in employment for companies which can afford them and an increase in HGV driver tests of 25.6% and three-fold increase in applications for vocational provisional licences, there is hope that the shortage of HGV drivers will ease.

“However, this is not cause for complacency just yet; although average driver pay surged 10% in the nine months to October 2021 in order to retain existing staff and attract new drivers, smaller fleet operators are still not back to full fleet capacity after the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown, and their inability to compete for drivers by offering higher wages appears to be hindering their efforts to recruit new staff.

“Government announcements to help address issues across our sector, including increasing driver testing throughput, funding Skills Bootcamps to train HGV drivers and a commitment to improved overnight parking provision, have been at pace. There needs to be continued focus from government to ensure they are delivered, so business and industry can take full advantage and continue to raise awareness of logistics and the opportunities it offers.”