More investment is needed in driver facilities - RHA

The RHA told national media outlets that the industry needs improved driver facilities and action to tackle freight crime.

From 30 April, lorries at Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone carrying foods from Europe will be subject to new physical checks. These checks are due to be carried out at a government facility in Sevington, Kent.

Significant delays could mean more drivers having to park in unsecure areas which increases the chances of freight crime.

We estimate a shortage of 11,000 HGV parking spaces and have been campaigning for more safe and secure lorry parking and improved driver facilities. We also need action on tackling freight crime.

Speaking to LBC, RHA Public Affairs Manager, Ashton Cull said:

"If new checks lead to vehicles parked in unsecure areas, then it’s only going to make them a honeypot for organised criminals to come and attack.

"Freight crime is organised crime - criminals know what’s moving, when it’s moving and where it’s most at risk and they have clear methods.

"Some drivers now avoid certain services and truck stops because the security is bad and they’re at increased risk of being targeted.

"We’ve been calling for the infrastructure to be in place ahead of time to make sure these checks can be done quickly and efficiently - you’ve got to think of the security for the loads."

Speaking to the BBC on the need for better facilities and more safer and secure parking, Ashton said:

“We welcome the recent investment by Government, but much more investment is need in driver facilities. There are not enough sites across the country. Two thirds of drivers in a recent transport focused survey could not say they were satisfied with either the quantity or the quality of facilities across the country.

“Partly this is because new sites can't get the planning applications from the local planning authorities so they can get built. We need more truck stops, we need more secure parking and we will continue to campaign on this.”

“Increasingly drivers are at risk and freight crime often goes unseen. We need better police engagement in actively tackling this issue and we need more safe and secure parking facilities. That means, more truck-stops being built with stronger security to help raise the standards across the country.”

We’re urging the next Police and Crime Commissioners ahead of the 2 May Local Elections to prioritise these issues to support our drivers, the industry as a whole and the wider economy.

You can read more about our facilities campaign HERE. 

You can read our manifesto for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England HERE.