Temporary visa scheme expected in plan to ease British supply issues ahead of Christmas

It comes amid scenes of lengthy queues at petrol stations after a shortage of HGV drivers forced some fuel retailers to shut their pumps and ration sales.

Motorists queue at an Esso petrol station in Brockley, south London. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA

The prospect of a temporary visa scheme to fix the UK lorry driver shortage has been met with both frustration and relief by British industry figures and opposition politicians.

With an announcement expected over the weekend, UK Government sources said the scheme, which reports suggest will temporarily lift visa restrictions for foreign drivers, is to be a “short-term solution” to ease pressure on deliveries in the run-up to Christmas.