More parking spaces, better facilities and stronger security.
Commercial vehicle drivers are the backbone of our economy. It is crucial that drivers have access to proper roadside facilities if they are to effectively carry out their critical role of keeping our supply chains moving.
Nationally there is an estimated 11,000 lorry parking space shortage. With utilisation of lorry parking spaces at 83% nationally, and as high as 93% in some areas, the lack of available facilities on our road network makes recruitment, retention and diversity of drivers much more difficult.
The lack of safe, secure parking and welfare facilities available to drivers, results in many drivers having to take their rest periods in their vehicles at the side of the road with no access to hygiene facilities. These drivers are also at risk of freight crime, which is a constant danger to those who have no choice but to park off site in laybys and industrial estates.
Operators of lorry parking sites have no commercial incentive to invest or improve their facilities. Overall dissatisfaction with UK roadside facilities is high at around 62%. Our driver facilities campaign aims to secure more lorry and coach parking, improve the overall standard of driver facilities, and highlight the importance of driver welfare and wellbeing.
We are also calling on the Government to work with industry to amend planning guidance as well as increase government funding to improve the number of safe and secure driver facilities and parking.
Our key asks on driver facilities are:
- Reform of planning policies and the National Planning Policy Framework
- Secure new freight crime category
- Establish a UK Government taskforce to address the shortage of facilities
- Ensure lorry parking is embedded in the next Road Investment Strategy
- Develop a minimum standard for truck stop security
- Increased investment in lorry parking
- Development of National Freight Network