Roads minister Lilian Greenwood visited the ADS Truckstop in Stoke this week to see how it had spent its share of government funds on improving its site, including new parking bays and security measures.
The investment came from the department for transport’s (DfT) HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which sees the government match fund spending by lorry park operators and MSAs to improve facilities for truck drivers.
From the total £43m funding, truckstops in the West Midlands will get up to £3m in joint investment for upgrades.
The DfT said this comes on top of a £26m scheme from National Highways and businesses, taking the total investment in lorry parks to £69m.
The ADS Truckstop invested in a new café, parking spaces, new toilets, showers and security fencing.
The additional parking bays should ensure fewer HGVs park in the town centre or at the side of the road.
Greenwood said: “Lorry drivers keep our economy moving. It is only right they enjoy safe rest areas, easily available parking, and modern facilities as we showcase their importance during National Lorry Week.
“Our joint funding with industry will ensure that lorry parking facilities like ADS Truckstop can make the improvements that lorry drivers deserve, and we will continue working closely with the sector to improve working conditions, support jobs, and get us back to growth.”
This week, independent watchdog Transport Focus published a survey showing that nearly half of lorry drivers were dissatisfied with the quality and number of HGV truck stops, with many believing facilities have worsened over the last 12 months.
Alex Robertson, Transport Focus CE, said: “Continued investment in lorry driver facilities is vital to keep the economy going, help fill supermarkets shelves across the country and get medical supplies to hospitals.
“Many of us take for granted our ability to get a proper break when we need to. Lorry drivers tell us they still often don’t feel welcome, safe or able to get a decent meal or proper rest at truckstops.”
