RHA welcomes driver facilities improvements in a major win for our facilities campaign

The RHA has welcomed the announcement of upgrades to driver facilities across the country as part of our facilities campaign.

The Roads Minister has confirmed that the Government and industry is improving 38 truck stops thanks to £16.5m investment through the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme.

Better facilities, and more safer and secure parking for truckers is a key RHA priority.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said that upgrades will include new showers and restaurants, and better lighting and secure fencing in rest areas.

Declan Pang, RHA Director of Policy & Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted to see the Government’s match funded grant scheme being awarded to projects which will make a tangible difference to the experiences of lorry drivers and provide much needed additional parking capacity to address the well-known shortage of spaces.

“We are pleased to see facilities operators contribute funding and commit to improving security and conditions at the sites they operate. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the funding will have across the range of projects."

Guy Opperman MP, Roads Minister said: “Our lorry drivers are the backbone of a successful economy, ensuring food, goods and crucial medical supplies can get where they need to be, all over the country.

“That’s why it’s only right we leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting our lorry drivers as part of our plan to grow the economy, and today’s £16.5 million in joint Government and industry funding will provide them with the safe, spacious and modern facilities they deserve.”

Ashton Cull, RHA Policy Affairs Manager, told BBC Kent this morning (Monday 4 March) that the investment is much needed and could spark improvements elsewhere. He said more work needs to be done on simplifying planning rules to ensure new facilities can be built quicker.

Last month, the RHA announced it is going to be leading a new Government taskforce on roadside facilities.

The Association said the taskforce will be a vital part of how they collaborate on bringing forward new lorry and coach parking to the areas most in need of additional parking capacity – working with industry and local government to attract investment and get planning approved swiftly.

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Notes for editors

Information on the RHA’s Facilities campaign.

Government announcement: Better kips for better trips: £16 million boost to transform facilities for lorry drivers