The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Government’s HGV driver facilities pledge but says that more needs to be done.

The call comes after the Department for Transport’s announcement of £20m to improve roadside Facilities.

Ministers have pledged the funding to improve security, lighting and showers at services.

The cash pledge follows the RHA’s Facilities Campaign for better facilities for commercial vehicle drivers.

Increase parking provision and improve facilities

Tom Cornwell, the RHA’s lead for Infrastructure and Operator Licencing, welcomed the move but said more needs to be done to increase parking provision and improve facilities.

He said: “This is encouraging news for our drivers who often tell us about poor facilities on the road but there’s a long way to go. 

“We believe we need an extra 11,000 safe and secure parking spaces and we’re determined to tackle that shortfall by working with Government, industry and officials.”

The RHA is pressing ministers to work with industry to deliver long-term solutions, and update planning rules to help push through new developments.

£20 million to improve roadside facilities

The DfT says that HGV drivers will benefit from £20 million to Improve Roadside Facilities, and this is part of continued government action with the industry.

Their aim is to boost driver welfare and tackle the effects of the global driver shortage in the UK.

The funding is part of National Highways’ existing £169 million Users and Communities Fund, and will go specifically towards improving security, showers and eating facilities.

Cash will also be spent exploring increasing parking spaces for lorry drivers. 

Roadside service operators are being encouraged to apply for the multimillion-pound fund immediately.

‘HGV drivers play a key role in keeping our nation running’

The Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “HGV drivers play a key role in keeping our nation running and contributing to the economy, and it is vital they feel safe and comfortable wherever they stop.

“That’s why we’re allocating £20 million to ramp up security and improve amenities for drivers – building on the raft of measures we’ve already taken to support the industry.”

She added: “We’ll continue to work closely with the sector to boost professional driver numbers even further.”

Nick Harris, National Highways’ chief executive, said: “We want all road users to reach their destination safely and encourage everyone, from those who drive as a profession through to people travelling on holiday or for leisure purposes, to plan ahead before setting off and to take regular breaks.

“We are dedicated to improving the experience of everyone using our roads and remain committed to working closely with operators of roadside facilities to help improve the standard of parking and other amenities they provide.

“We are hopeful that the £20 million being announced today will go some way towards achieving this goal.”

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