HGV drivers need better truck stops

Transport Focus’ Lorry Drivers’ Facilities Survey has revealed increased dissatisfaction among HGV drivers, says Logistics UK's Maddi Solloway-Price

Transport Focus’ Lorry Drivers’ Facilities Survey Year 2 summary report shows increased dissatisfaction among HGV drivers regarding the quality of suitable stopping locations, and reveals a strong connection between how safe drivers feel when parked up and their ability to rest properly. 

The survey reinforces everything Logistics UK has been highlighting regarding driver facilities: a shortage of safe, high-quality rest facilities is contributing to poor health, rising freight crime and increasing difficulties in recruiting and retaining drivers across the logistics sector.

There are many fantastic truck stops already operating, and we are starting to see more investment, which is a move in the right direction. However, more still needs to be done, and fast, if we are to address long term dissatisfaction among drivers and attract new talent to the industry. There needs to be a change in attitudes towards HGV drivers: improving driver facilities is about more than infrastructure – it’s about valuing the skilled professionals who keep Britain moving and account for 18.4% of the £170 billion the logistics sector contributes each year to the UK economy.

We are calling for a national review of the availability of rest facilities for logistics workers, and for truck stops to be incorporated into planning frameworks. In addition, there needs to be a specific crime code introduced for freight crime to enable better data collection and appropriate sentencing. Those driving freight around the country, and further afield, must have access to the same hygiene and rest facilities afforded to those who work in offices, shops and factories – to expect them to be unable to access safe, clean and secure places to rest and eat during and at the end of a working day is unacceptable.

Maddi Solloway-Price is Logistics UK’s head of road freight and English regions policy