The UK’s transport and logistics industry is facing mounting pressures – from chronic driver shortages and widening skills gaps to rising stress levels and persistent road safety risks. In response, a new national event – the ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference – has been launched to bring together industry leaders, transport managers, wellbeing specialists, and UK Roads Policing to address these urgent issues head-on.

With 2.7 million people working across the sector – 8.2% of the entire UK workforce – the need for improved safety, compliance, and workforce wellbeing has never been more critical.

Recent figures highlight the scale of the challenge:

• Stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 46% of all work-related ill health cases and 55% of working days lost in 2023/24 (HSE).

• 27% of logistics employees reported taking time off for unmanageable stress or mental health challenges (Randstad, 2023).

• The sector faces a 60,000-driver shortfall, with up to 464,000 workers expected to leave or retire by 2030.

• Road collisions linked to the Fatal Four—speeding, distraction, drink/drug driving, and seatbelt misuse—continue to be a leading cause of incidents.

The ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference aims to support organisations in tackling these issues by placing equal focus on workforce wellbeing, safety, compliance, and retention.

Richard Smith, Managing Director at RHA, Lead Supporter of ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference said: “We’re delighted to support the ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference which brings people together to improve safety in our workplaces and on our roads.”

“There’s no more vital mission than keeping people safe, and this conference offers our industry a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and best practice.”

“The packed agenda covers a wide range health, wellbeing and safety topics so we’d urge everyone to join us at the event, hear from specialists in their fields, and share their own insights and experiences.”

Commander Kyle Gordon, who leads Operation Topaz nationally as the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s strategic partnership between Department for Transport and policing, said: “I am delighted to confirm that I will be speaking at the ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference, DTec International’s driver welfare and drug-driving enforcement event, in May 2026.

Drug driving continues to present a serious and growing risk on our roads, and I and other senior roads policing colleagues nationally have been warning for some time that the scale of the problem is reaching critical levels. Work to highlight the issue and tackle the threat in new and innovative ways is already underway within national roads policing and partners and I’m delighted to be able to attend events such as this one to be able to highlight this work and ensure it continues to be right at the cutting edge.”

In addition, the ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference provides opportunity for wider collaboration and partnership to tackle this threat with fleet operators and industry partners, and through such collaboration supports safer roads for everyone.”

Driving change through collaboration

A central theme of the conference is the crucial partnership between the transport industry and UK Roads Policing. By working together, the sector can reduce accidents, improve driver behaviour, strengthen compliance, and create safer working environments.

The event will equip delegates with the skills, contacts, and confidence to:

• Reduce sickness and accident-related absence

• Improve staff satisfaction and retention

• Strengthen legal compliance and risk management

• Build healthier, safer, more resilient teams

• Reduce operating costs through smarter wellbeing strategies

Key Themes

By prioritising the wellbeing and safety of workforces and fostering collaboration with the police, delegates can not only reduce accidents and improve compliance but also improve employee satisfaction, retention, productivity and reduce operating costs.

The Conference will provide the opportunity to network with industry peers, gain expert advice, and leave with actionable, practical information to create a safer, healthier, and more efficient workforce. Attendees will also be able to claim CPD points for attending the Conference. Together, with the support of the Roads Policing, we can drive a safe and healthy future for the transport and logistics forward.

• The Fatal Four & Road Risk Management – Address the leading causes of road incidents to improve safety and reduce lost working days.

• Physical & Mental Wellbeing of Drivers – Learn strategies to support driver health, reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, reduce lost working days and improve retention.

• Day-to-day wellness strategies – Practical tips for better nutrition, managing fatigue, and promoting healthier lifestyles.

• Drug & alcohol use – Understand the causes, consequences, and support systems available to help your workforce.

• Legal Obligations for Fleet Operators – Stay compliant with evolving regulations while prioritising employee wellbeing and safety

• Lone working in the sector – Address the unique challenges of isolated workers and ensure their safety.

• Nutrition and healthier food choices – Find out how you can support your team to provide good nutrition and healthier food choices while on the road.

• Working together with the police – Learn how to work and build partnerships with Road Traffic Police to improve road safety, reduce risks, and tackle issues like drug and alcohol use, speeding, and driver fatigue.

The ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference marks a vital step toward building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for the transport and logistics sector.

Find out more about the ClearMinds ClearRoads Conference at www.ClearMindsClearRoads.co.uk