More safe parking spaces for UK hauliers that were promised by the government need to be delivered.
That’s the message from Logistics UK, which is urging the Department for Transport (DfT) to help alleviate the growing issue.
Logistics UK’s Michelle Gardner has spoken out in response to the launch of Transport Focus’ 2020-2021 Logistics and Coach Survey: Strategic Roads.
“Logistics UK is pressing the Department for Transport (DfT) to take urgent action to tackle the nationwide shortage of parking spaces for HGV drivers.
“The findings of today’s report reconfirms a desperate industry need.
Specifically, she referred to 56% of respondents rating the availability of spaces for lorries as fairly poor or very poor.
“Three years ago, the government pledged to increase the availability of secure, safe parking spaces for lorry drivers.”
However, she added that it hadn’t yet delivered on its promise.
Furthermore, she added that the inaction could “discourage new entrants from joining the profession.”
The parking shortage is one factor in forcing drivers to take legally mandated breaks in unsafe locations,” she highlighted.
“Our members need government to listen carefully to the concerns of businesses shared in the report,” she added.
“Industry needs an efficient and fully maintained road network, with plentiful supplies of good quality parking options, to operate effectively.
“This is vital to enable logistics businesses to support the economic recovery of UK PLC.”
Meanwhile, residents near a Brexit Lorry Park in Kent have complained it is “as bright as Wembley Stadium” at night.
The border facility was set up by the Government in case of border disruption after the UK left the single market.
Therefore, the site, which is still under construction, can hold around 1,700 trucks.
Residents complained the park’s lights are on 24/7 and reported truck drivers regularly “causing havoc” navigating narrow lanes.
