Lorry drivers 'face disciplinary action' if they refuse to travel during weather warnings

HGV drivers are being threatened with disciplinary action if they refuse to travel during adverse weather conditions, a union has warned.

Ten lorries overturned on the M74 during Storm Bram earlier this month, resulting in an overnight closure and a major recovery operation.

The vehicles were brought down on the motorway near Abington during a Met Office-issued yellow weather warning for strong winds.

At the height of Storm Bram, gusts of up to 76mph were recorded in South Uist, with similar conditions reported across Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

The United Road Transport Union has described the M74 as a “notorious” road for HGV blowovers and warned that many drivers face disciplinary action if they refuse to travel during adverse weather conditions.

Peter McKevitt, regional officer, told STV News: “Despite the weather warning, hauliers will always shift the responsibility and decision to drive in such conditions to HGV drivers.

“It’s just another example of employers using the phrase ‘professional drivers’ in order to move the responsibility onto the HGV driver.

“However, if the driver refuses to at least attempt the delivery, they run the risk of facing disciplinary action by their employer.

“In my opinion, if the Met Office issues travel warnings, then operators of high-sided vehicles such as HGVs should only be sent out once the weather has abated, especially on the M74.”

During Storm Eowyn in January, lorries were reported to have blown over on the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow and on the A1.

An overturned HGV was also reported on the M74 in February during wet weather.

An RHA (Road Haulage Association) spokesperson said: “We urge haulage, coach and van operators to follow all weather and traffic warnings, stay up to date with the latest information and prepare for plans to change.”

Archbold Logistics and Eddie Stobart were contacted for comment.