The number of lorry drivers in the UK has fallen by 53,000 in the last four years. Official figures show the decline was greatest among middle-aged lorry drivers. According to the National Statistical Office (ons), an analysis of the Annual Population Survey showed that the number of truck drivers active in the UK has decreased by 17%. It decreased by 268,000 until June of this year, after reaching a peak of 321,000 in 2016/17. On 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU.

On the basis of its own figures, the sector indicates that the shortage of truck drivers is much greater and amounts to 100,000. The US reports that the number of truck drivers between the ages of 46 and 54 has decreased by a third, or 34,000, compared to June 2017.

According walesonline.co.uk almost a third of all drivers in the UK were 56 years of age or older in 2020/21, and just under 20% were between 19 and 35 years of age. The decline has occurred particularly in the last two years, particularly during the pandemic, which has taken its toll on EU drivers wanting to work in the UK. Since 2017, this number has decreased by 30%, or 12,000.