Just like the cleaning workforce, truck drivers are given little recognition for the crucial part they play in everyone’s lives - in their case transporting essential goods from A to B – sometimes across several different countries before reaching their final destination. We’ve long known that, (well in the UK, at least) the facilities provided at truck stops are often totally inadequate, and this failing’s been highlighted this week with the publication of the Transport Focus Lorry Driver Facilities Survey, which found that 63% of drivers and 78% of logistics businesses were dissatisfied with the number of available stopping places in the UK and the quality of many of those that there are. 

  

Logistics UK has jumped on the results, saying that this latest research reflects the official data showing that over 20% of the 21,234 lorries parked overnight close to motorways and major A-roads are forced to use lay-bys or industrial estates because designated lorry parks are full. Often these won’t have toilet facilities – let alone places to shower. Disgraceful, don’t you think? The organisation, which shapes and supports the industry and those working in it, has been pressing Government to address the shortage of parking and driver facilities for many years and now says it’s vital that there’s a change in attitudes toward, and increased recognition of, the strategic importance of road freight to the economy. 

  

“The recent announcement of £12 million in joint Government and industry funding that will create 430 new lorry parking spaces was welcomed by our members but funding alone won't address the full range of causes behind this shortage,” it says. “Our members are hopeful that the proposed reforms to the planning system will reflect our calls for a greater emphasis on facilities and we will continue to work with Government to ensure drivers have the facilities they need. But even if they are not parking up overnight, rest is essential and drivers need to take legally mandated breaks so need appropriate places to stop. And irrespective of the legal requirements over driver hours, drivers are also entitled to access clean, safe and hygienic facilities in the same way that office workers need and expect during their working days. We have also been urging Government to ensure facilities are integral to any road investment schemes and the drivers in the logistics industry expect and deserve the same basic rights and facilities as workers in every other sector. Logistics drivers are the heroes of our sector, ensuring that goods arrive where they are needed, on time and in great condition with no fanfare, so it is extremely disappointing they are reporting widespread dissatisfaction with the number and quality of stopping places.” 

  

Let’s hope we see huge improvements very soon, since what we’re offering currently, clearly isn’t anywhere near good enough.