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Logistics UK said it was “extremely disappointing” that half of all lorry drivers were fed up with the state of UK truckstops and it called on the government for a change in attitude towards the industry.
Research from watchdog Transport Focus found drivers often didn’t feel welcome, safe or able to get a decent meal or proper rest at many lorry parks.
Complaints included unhealthy food, dirty showers and toilets and concerns over their safety.
In response, Logistics UK said professional drivers ensured goods arrived on time and without fanfare and yet thousands of HGVs parking overnight were forced to do so in laybys or industrial estates because lorry parks were full.
Michelle Gardner, deputy director of policy at Logistics UK, said: “Even if lorry drivers are not parking up overnight, rest is essential and drivers need to take legally mandated breaks so need appropriate places to stop.
“And irrespective of the legal requirements over driver hours, drivers are also entitled to access clean, safe and hygienic facilities in the same way that office workers need and expect during their working days.”
Gardner added that the recent announcement of £12m in joint government and industry funding would create 430 new HGV parking spaces, but funding alone wouldn’t address all the causes behind the shortage: “Our members are hopeful that the proposed reforms to the planning system will reflect our calls for a greater emphasis on facilities and we will continue to work with the government to ensure drivers have the facilities they need,” she said.
“Logistics UK has been pressing government to address the shortage of lorry parking and driver facilities for many years and it is vital there is 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.”
The RHA congratulated the sites and service areas that achieved high satisfaction scores in Transport Focus’ survey, but its public affairs manager Ashton Cull added: “It’s important to remember that these figures only come from drivers who have chosen to stop in these locations – therefore a degree of satisfaction is to be assumed.
“It’s important to look at the bigger picture, and while we have seen a slight improvement, we are still in a position where two-thirds of drivers cannot say they are satisfied with either the quantity or the quality of truck stops on the UK strategic road network.”
