The government is being urged to follow through on its promise made two years ago to provide safe parking spaces for HGV drivers as the situation has not improved, and many drivers are being forced to take rest breaks in unsafe locations with inadequate welfare, hygiene and sanitation facilities.
The Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) National Survey of Lorry Parking identified there is an immediate need for more than 1411 parking spaces across the country, to enable drivers to take their legally mandated rest breaks without concerns for security and safety.
In the South East alone, 37 per cent more overnight parking spaces are required to meet basic demand.
The Freight Transport Association is again putting pressure on ministers to address Britain’s parking problems.
FTA’s policy manager for road infrastructure, Chris Yarsley, said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has brought home how vital lorry drivers are to society and the economy; they are working tirelessly, and bravely, to provide the goods the nation needs to get through the pandemic.
“Yet the government fails to provide them with even the most basic provision: secure, safe places to park during their rest periods with access to adequate welfare, hygiene and sanitation facilities.”
No other industry would be expected to operate in such conditions, he said, before adding the government “has no excuse” not to deliver on its promises.
“This shortfall of parking spaces is forcing drivers to take their rest periods in unsafe, undesirable locations, such as industrial estates, in lay-bys or on public roads,” he continued. “In an industry where you are compelled by law to take regular breaks and rest, adequate provision to do so must be provided.
“Two years on from the commitment made by ex-road minister, Jesse Norman MP, we need action – the nation’s HGV drivers deserve so much more.”
