The government is poised to carry out another national lorry parking survey in order to gather precise information about where drivers are struggling the most to park around the country.
It follows a similar survey conducted in 2022, which found the situation was at crisis point, with the most crowded overnight parking sites situated in the east of England, the South East and East Midlands.
At the time, the findings revealed there was a serious shortage of on-site overnight parking, with an over capacity of 4,473 vehicles.
In a written Parliamentary question to the transport secretary this week, MP James McMurdock asked what estimate had been made of the number of additional lorry parking spaces that would be required to meet projected demand in the next five years.
Responding, transport minister Keir Mather said: “The department has not made a specific estimate of the number of additional lorry parking spaces that will be required over the next five years.
“However, the department will shortly launch a new national lorry parking survey. This will provide a comprehensive picture of current capacity, demand and driver welfare facilities across England.
“The findings will inform future policy on HGV parking and welfare and will support planning applications for new or expanded sites.”
Following the last survey four years ago, the government created a multi-million pound match-funding pot for truckstop and road service operators to improve their facilities and boost security for lorry drivers.
The RHA was approached for comment.
