Deliver better services for lorry drivers

Government needs to address widespread dissatisfaction with lorry stops, says Logistics UK’s Michelle Gardner

The Transport Focus Lorry Driver Facilities Survey, published this week, found 63% of drivers and 78% of logistics and coach businesses were dissatisfied with the number of available stopping places in the UK.

Logistics drivers are the heroes of our sector, ensuring that goods arrive where they are needed, on time and in great condition with no fanfare, so it is extremely disappointing they are reporting widespread dissatisfaction with the number and quality of stopping places. The research reflects the official data showing over 20% of the 21,234 lorries parked overnight close to motorways and major A-roads are forced to use lay-bys or industrial estates because designated lorry parks are full.

But even if lorry drivers are not parking up overnight, rest is essential and drivers need to take legally mandated breaks so need appropriate places to stop. And irrespective of the legal requirements over driver hours, drivers are also entitled to access clean, safe and hygienic facilities in the same way that office workers need and expect during their working days.

Logistics UK has been pressing government to address the shortage of lorry parking and driver facilities for many years and it is vital there is a change in attitudes towards and increased recognition of the strategic importance of road freight to the UK economy if we are going to solve it.

The recent announcement of £12m in joint government and industry funding that will create 430 new lorry parking spaces was welcomed by our members but funding alone won’t address the full range of causes behind this shortage. Our members are hopeful that the proposed reforms to the planning system will reflect our calls for a greater emphasis on facilities and we will continue to work with the government to ensure drivers have the facilities they need.

We have also been urging government to ensure driver facilities are integral to any road investment schemes and the essential drivers in the logistics industry, which deliver all that UK economy relies upon, expect and deserve the same basic rights and facilities as workers in every other sector.

Michelle Gardner is deputy director at Logistics UK