Independent watchdog Transport Focus calls for the lorry driver’s voice to be at the heart of improving rest stops.
Transport Focus held an event at Hollies truck stop in Cannock on achieving better roadside facilities for lorry drivers. Roads minister Richard Holden MP gave the keynote speech. We will use the discussions that came out of the event to work with the industry and Government to improve rest stops.
Security, management of parking, quality and choice of food along with a welcoming atmosphere are just some of the things lorry drivers tell us they value at rest stops. Transport Focus brought together key people to discuss the issues lorry drivers currently experience as well as potential solutions.
The event was held in partnership between Transport Focus, Logistics UK, SNAP and Certas Energy. Transport Focus will be measuring lorry drivers’ experiences in a new survey launching later this year.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “Lorry drivers are vital to keeping the country running. They make sure there’s food on the supermarket shelves and clothes for us to buy. But their needs have long been overlooked.
“They need decent places to stop at – the facilities they use are crucial in allowing them to rest and recuperate so they can go about their jobs effectively and safely.”
Roads minister Richard Holden said: “For decades, lorry drivers have been the unsung heroes of our economy. As they do here at the Hollies truck stop in Cannock, hauliers should always enjoy top quality food, in safe, world-class rest areas and plenty of parking space wherever they go.
“That’s why we’re providing more than £52 million to improve roadside facilities so that we can boost drivers’ welfare, guarantee them the security and peace of mind they deserve, and make driving an HGV a truly attractive career of choice.”
David Wells, chief executive at Logistics UK, said: “Commercial vehicle drivers play a vital role in underpinning all the sectors of the UK economy, and deserve access to proper hygiene and rest facilities while they work – just as those in other industries have.
“This is an incredibly important issue for the sector and Logistics UK welcomed the opportunity to discuss how drivers would like the situation to be improved, at today’s event. The lack of suitable facilities has long-since been acknowledged between industry and government, and Logistics UK is seeking rapid progress on delivering the results that have been promised for years, through funding and the planning system.”
Myra McPartlin, head of commercial sales at SNAP said: “Since its inception in 2010, SNAP and our parent company Certas Energy have been committed to enhancing the standards of truck parking locations and improving the welfare of the 150,000+ drivers using our services. By working with over 420 HGV locations across Europe, SNAP provides vital truck parking options for haulage professionals, in addition to enhancing their security through SNAP Access & Security.
“The DfT and Transport Focus have our ongoing support on their mission to improve driver facilities.”
Source: UKHaulier
