Not sure where I read it, but an HGV driver explained why he quit the industry. In short - the UK is crap. Some reasons I remember
- towns, cities and local councils have banned lorries from parking for any length of time - you're expected to drop off the cargo and get the hell out of there
- services are rubbish - dirty, mouldy showers and bathrooms, terrible food
- you have to pay up to £40 a night to park in a designated spot - just imaging having to pay a huge chunk of your wages just to be able to sleep and wash every day
In comparison, he said, places like France welcome truck drivers. They go to the front of the queue in cafes, as people know they are on a tight schedule. The showers and toilets are clean and free. No fees to park to sleep, and you can park up anywhere without a problem.
In short, people respect lorry drivers in other countries, such as France, but we hate them and don't want them.
And on top of that, they have to spend loads on training and the pay in not that great, especially when you consider the poor work-life balance with being away from home and family for much of the time.
Our (as in the UK, town councils, service stations etc) attitude needs to change if we want to encourage overseas drivers back, and Brits to just to the task.