London, UK: The future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood pledged £12.5m last week to improve lorry parks and working conditions for drivers. The move will create 430 new lorry parking spaces, improve driver facilities such as dining areas, rest areas, and enhance security features, including CCTV and secure fencing.
This funding is the latest government spend towards lorry park improvements bringing the total government and industry contribution to £64m. It is part of a broader effort to tackle congestion caused by trucks parking in “inappropriate locations”, such as town centres and roadside verges.
“Freight is a crucial engine of our economy, and it is only right we do all we can to improve working conditions, pioneer innovation, and drive sustainability across the industry,” Greenwood said.
“Our funding, combined with investment from the industry, will ensure lorry drivers can enjoy safer parking, a proper rest and a warm meal, while supporting UK businesses to harvest the best of technology to move freight faster, decarbonise our supply chain, and grow the economy for all.”
Jonathan Walker, head of cities and infrastructure policy at Logistics UK, says the trade association is supportive of the news but calls on the government to go further. “We are encouraged by the announcement of new lorry parking spaces and upgrades to driver facilities, but this alone will not completely resolve the challenges drivers face when finding somewhere safe to stop.
“The official data shows 4,473 of the 21,234 lorries parked overnight close to motorways and major A-roads are forced to use lay-bys or industrial estates because designated lorry parks are full. So, while our members will be pleased with the announcement of 430 new lorry parking spaces, they will also be the first to tell us that it is a tiny fraction of what is needed.
“We need a change in attitudes towards and increased recognition of the strategic importance of road freight to the UK economy if we are going to solve it. HGV drivers need to take legally mandated rest breaks and we have been urging government to ensure driver facilities are an integral part of any road investment scheme.”
The Road Haulage Association welcomed the news. Declan Pang, director of policy and public affairs, said: “We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England.
“The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving. We look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in improving conditions and driver welfare.”
