As an hgv driver myself and Adsa hgv assessor, I am very concerned about European hgv drivers employed by low paying companies. Some have little to no training and no knowledge of the Highway Code in the uk.

Also – and a big also – Eastern European hgv drivers do not understand feet and inches. All hgv artic trailers are different heights and under the operating licence they must, by law, inform their drivers the height of each trailer plus unit combination.

The driver must by law adjust the in-cab meter and ensure they do not go under any bridge marked under the in-cab meter height.

Most uk hgv Class 1 drivers know they have to do this and understand feet and inches.

However, the chances of an Eastern European driver following instructions in Polish will always be high risk.

Solution: all non uk dsa hgv tested drivers should be forced to do a uk hgv theory test to prove they are trained and assessed and that the driver be able to navigate uk roads, using English instruction (e.g. road signs, not foreign satnav).

If companies choose cheap hgv drivers, they should at least train them in basic english measurement, and the uk Highway Code. I am a little sick of low standard hgv European drivers being presented to me as professional.

I am glad to say my company will not tolerate such poor drivers but we can not stop them going other to companies.

It is not rocket science, just mark your lorries correctly, and employ drivers who can demonstrate they understand feet and inches and keep within the construction and use regulations.

– Name and address supplied.