Freight group calls for improved network of truck stops
Date: 07 April 2008
The national freight industry has been let down by the lack of a UK policy on lorry parking, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) contends.
The group was responding to a government document regarding service areas and other roadside facilities, and argued that "at present there is a substantial shortage of lorry parking facilities which the guidance does little to address".
FTA head of road network management policy Malcolm Bingham said: "The transport industry requires a network of truck stop facilities sufficient to provide adequate rest and refreshment for drivers needing to take their statutory breaks, together with overnight security for the driver and load.
"The whole UK economy is delivered by the transport industry and lorry drivers, and yet they are expected to scuttle about seeking locations, sometimes inappropriate, to take their breaks and overnight stops. Sadly the new policy document fails to grasp the problem."
However, the group did welcome the document's suggestion that the Highways Agency should have the ability to influence the provision of roadside facilities on important routes, and advice regarding minimum parking space requirements for freight vehicles.
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