Lorry drivers are set to benefit from enhanced parking facilities, safer rest areas, and improved amenities like upgraded restaurants and showers, thanks to a £43 million investment from the
Department for Transport (DfT) and industry partners.
The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, visited the ADS Truckstop in Stoke today (7 November 2024) to witness firsthand the improvements made to lorry facilities. The visit aligns with the celebration of National Lorry Week, which highlights the essential role of lorry drivers and promotes career opportunities within the logistics and haulage industry.
This significant investment—part of a collaborative effort between the DfT and industry—aims to modernize truckstops across England, providing better working conditions for lorry drivers. The West Midlands, in particular, is receiving up to £3 million of the total funding to enhance 10 lorry parking facilities in the region.
The department’s funding initiative builds on an additional £26 million joint investment from National Highways and industry, bringing the total commitment to approximately £69 million for truckstop improvements nationwide.
Minister Greenwood emphasized the importance of lorry drivers to the UK economy, stating, “Lorry drivers keep our economy moving. It is only right they have access to safe rest areas, accessible parking, and modern facilities, especially as we celebrate their vital contributions during National Lorry Week. Our partnership with industry ensures truckstops like ADS can make the necessary upgrades to support drivers, enhance working conditions, and contribute to economic growth.”
The ADS Truckstop in Stoke has already seen significant enhancements, including additional parking bays, a new café, updated toilets and showers, and security measures such as new fencing. These improvements aim to reduce the need for lorries to park in town centers or along busy roads, which will help alleviate local congestion.
Enhanced security measures, including fencing, will provide drivers with peace of mind by reducing the risk of theft while they rest. The new welfare facilities, which offer healthier meal options and improved showers, ensure drivers can rest comfortably and drive safely.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), welcomed the improvements: “We are pleased that lorry drivers are beginning to see the benefits of this government funding. Upgrading roadside facilities is essential for the welfare and retention of drivers. This initiative is crucial for improving security, expanding parking capacity, and upgrading facilities across England.”
The funding comes from the DfT’s HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which supports the expansion of lorry parking capacity and enhancements to driver welfare facilities, such as new dining options, toilets, showers, and better security measures, including advanced fencing and CCTV.
The visit and ongoing investments underscore the government’s commitment to supporting lorry drivers and improving conditions within the haulage industry, strengthening the UK’s supply chain and fostering economic growth.
Chief Executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, Alex Robertson said:
“Continued investment in lorry driver facilities is vital to keep the economy going, help fill supermarkets shelves across the country and get medical supplies to hospitals. Many of us take for granted our ability to get a proper break when we need to. Lorry drivers tell us they still often don’t feel welcome, safe or able to get a decent meal or proper rest at truckstops.
That’s why Transport Focus is bringing the public and private sector together at an industry roundtable to develop a long-term solution so we can keep our lorries, and the people who drive them, moving safely”.
Photo by Bulker lorry by Michael Trolove, Wikimedia commons.