Britain's roads could be more dangerous than usual this winter because of a potential shortage of gritter drivers.
Local authorities across the country are believed to be in desperate need of people capable of driving the huge salt spreading lorries to keep highways open in bad weather.
Whereas before councils could use contracted staff from other sectors, the ongoing HGV driver shortage has meant councils can't fill vacancies for drivers, according to The Sun.
Last month it was reported that 18 councils had to suspend their bin collections after a driver shortage meant lorries couldn't get out on the streets.
Britain's roads could be more dangerous than usual this winter because of a potential shortage of gritter drivers
According to the Road Haulage Association, the UK shortfall in HGV drivers is estimated to stand at 100,000.
The government is running a HGV training scheme 'skills bootcamp' which hopes to quickly train 5,000 drivers.
Cllr David Renard, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: 'While most councils have been able to keep services running, some may find that their gritting services are affected in the same way that some have seen waste collection services impacted.'
He warned that improving wages for drivers in the private sector will only make the situation worse - as councils will be unable to match their pay.
He added: 'Councils are keen to work with Government and partners to support more training for these demand sectors, however this is a lengthy process and does not alleviate the short term pressures on frontline services.'
Signs reading 'Sorry out of use' are displayed on the pumps of a closed petrol station in London
Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon said: 'We are facing a perfect storm of empty shelves, dry forecourts and services not delivered thanks to the Conservatives' failure to plan for or even
