The RHA said it was “great news” that Roadchef had been given the green light to build more HGV parking spaces at its service station on the M20 in Kent.
The group supported an application to add extra parking capacity to its premises at junction 8 near Hollingbourne and said the joint working was possible thanks to the industry-led HGV Parking Task and Finish Group, which is supported by the Department for Transport.
Roadchef applied to add 51 lorry parking spaces and extend and modernise the toilet and shower facilities.
In its application, the MSA operator said: “The purpose of the HGV parking extension will be to accommodate the existing demand for HGV parking at the site, which currently exceeds the available provision and results in overspill of parking within other areas of the MSA.
“The extension will allow for Maidstone MSA to continue to be a reliable and safe location for vehicles to park, rest, and stop for overnight stays if required.”
The RHA said Maidstone Council had this week provisionally approved the plans subject to a S106 agreement and there would also be space provided for seven coaches.
Ashton Cull, RHA senior public affairs lead, said: “This is fantastic news for lorry and coach drivers operating in Kent and a great success for industry efforts to secure more facilities.
“Tackling the chronic shortage of safe and secure parking is a key RHA priority so I’m delighted that Roadchef has been successful in its application.
“We’re confident that by working together across industry and engaging with local planning authorities we can make the best possible case for more secure facilities and offer our industry’s drivers the basic working conditions they deserve.”
RHA instigated the HGV Parking Task and Finish Group.
Maidstone Council did not respond.
