The shortage of HGV drivers is starting to affect everyone and our readers have an idea why.

This week Carlisle City Councillor Nigel Christian said it was a worry and might lead to a reduction to the main sweeping programme and to a postponement of some planed" litter clearances verges."

Andrew Deakin responded: "As an HGV driver myself I honestly wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. I drive 2,300 miles a week every week and sick of the idiots on the roads and constant roadworks and motorway closures. You're treated like crap by nearly everyone. Crap pay. Pay a fortune to overnight in a service area ware you can wake up to find your diesel and load stolen or park up in layby where you have no facilities should you need the toilet.

Andrew Deakin: "A mate of mine started back wagon driving last year after 15 years away from the industry. He’s shocked at the poor standard of driving now by other motorists and the further south you go the worst it getsIf you're involved in an accident on the road you are automatically the one at fault till proved otherwise."

John Hall: "The worst thing for you guys is deadlines and road works and in consideration of drivers. I was letting a truck turn the other day and an idiot just overtook me and had no consideration."

Kevin Sykes came up with a solution to solve the problem in the meantime:

"Why don't we use the army? Every other country uses theirs in troubled times, why don't we? Not as if we are at war or anything."

Jamie Harrison:"I guess,' they' weren't coming over and "taking our jobs" after all.