A retired lorry driver from Doulting has revealed why he is not returning to the industry, despite a plea from the government.

Kenny Cullen drove lorries for a living for 57 years before retiring a couple of years ago, and he has received a letter from the government asking him to return to work.

A national shortage of HGV drivers was recently reported in the national media, leading to panic buying at petrol stations, and a fuel supply crisis.

In the wake of this, the government has written to retired drivers, asking them to consider returning to work, but Kenny says lots has to change before he comes back.

He told Shepton Mallet Nub News: "Current drivers shouldn't be asked to spend more time on the road - HGV driving time rules are too long.

"HGV drivers should be valued for the essential work they do and wages should reflect this.

"Why would I come out of retirement to work in current working conditions? The government has not given me any incentive to return.

"The government needs to rethink, starting with the drivers' CPC test and facilities available for HGV drivers."

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers.

It has been introduced across Europe with the aim of improving road safety and maintaining high standards of driving.

However for Kenny, who owned lorries on the Mendip Hills working out of local quarries, and drivers like him, this test was the reason behind retirement.

He said: "If it wasn't for the CPC, I would have driven for a few more years.

"The CPC requires hours in the classroom and a one-and-a-half hour exam. It's stressful, expensive and repetitive.

"I think the government could be more proactive and suspend the need for an updated CPC for experienced HGV drivers, giving time for new drivers to be trained.

"I don't even know if there is proof the CPC has improved safety or not?

"Wages and facilities such as wash rooms, showers, toilets and food, also need to improve.

"The job is stressful, it takes you away from home, and the hours are unsociable."