'Joined-up thinking' needed on truckstops
Date: 21 August 2007
An improved truckstop system for freight haulage vehicles is needed in the UK, according to RoadTransport.com.
Although the Highways Agency (HA) carried out a consultation on the provision of motorway service areas earlier this year, the group's full response to public feedback has not yet been made public.
The HA appears to embody a lack of joined-up thinking regarding truckstops, the website points out.
Proposals put forward in response to the consultation paper include allowing freight haulage vehicles to park at picnic sites; adding signs at lorry parks close to junctions, providing detailed information about facilities; providing additional laybys, ensuring that toilets, showers food and security are prioritised for drivers; and changing the spacing criteria of truckstops from 30 miles to 30 minutes' driving time.
"Truckstops are an essential part of every driver's life," the website notes. "With strict legislation surrounding the number of hours they can drive, having safe and secure places to park up to take the required rest breaks is a must."
On August 31st, Nightowl's Alconbury truckstop is due to close, but haulage groups are fighting the decision.
The Road Haulage Association's Jack Semple believes there should be "a national policy for lorry parking that is developed by the government" in order to remedy the problem.
Last year a law was passed that required freight haulage drivers to produce a driver record on request stating how many hours they have driven. This reinforces the need for a robust truckstop system.
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