Millions of British Truckers Are REFUSING to Climb the Pennines in 2026 — Here's Why

Grab your copy of The UK HGV Driver's Guide 👇 https://terry-collins.opdivize.com/ 0:00 Dave’s Trans-Pennine run 2:06 The Pennines and the M62 5:22 Gradients, brakes and severe weather 7:15 Fewer routes for heavy lorries 11:07 The fuel-price squeeze 16:48 What refusing actually looks like 19:34 What could help drivers 21:32 The honest answer for 2026 I follow a 44-tonne Arctic across the Pennines to find out why some British lorry drivers are quietly turning down Trans-Pennine work in 2026. The journey takes us over the M62 and through the real challenges of gradients, wind, snow, closures and driver-hours rules. I explain how the Snake Pass weight limit, Woodhead roadworks and limited alternative routes have increased the pressure on heavy freight. Then I look at the fuel maths, from diesel prices and fuel duty to the narrow margins facing haulage operators and owner-drivers. This is not a mass strike or a boycott. I break down what “refusing” actually means on the road, why the issue has come to a head, what could help, and the safety checks drivers should make before crossing the M62, A628 or A66.