A driver welfare facility, including 130 HGV parking spaces, restaurant, bathrooms and showers, has opened at Southampton container terminal.
DP World described its new 258,000 sq ft facility as the centrepiece of a £20m modernisation project and contributed towards efforts by the industry as well as the government to deliver better working conditions for hauliers.
Situated at dock gate 20, it will be operated by Cartland Truck and also includes a café, service bays for vehicles and two twin EV charging points that can fully chare an HGV in one-and-a-half to two hours.
DP World added that the site also features a new pre-gate entry system that would reduce waiting times and ease traffic flow around the terminal.
Ernst Schulze, DP World Ports lead for Northern Europe, said: “I am delighted with the opening of this exceptional new facility that puts driver welfare at the heart of our Southampton operation.
“This £20m investment is a clear statement of our commitment to drivers, who are a vital part of the UK supply chain.”
HGV driving instructor and former lorry driver Dave Monk said the lorry park had been needed for many years: “With all the negative publicity about truck driver facilities, DP World decided to invest in this much needed facility.
“This is great news for truck drivers visiting Southampton docks, they now have a facility where they can have a decent break safely and not worry about finding a parking space on an industrial estate and getting a parking ticket,” he added.
