Has the government broken promises on more parking & better facilities?

It was over two years ago that the government promised to provide more secure parking sites, but it seems hauliers are still parking in unsafe locations with inadequate welfare, hygiene and sanitation facilities.

The complaint from the FTA comes at a time when the importance of the lorry driver role has been further highlighted to the public, as they continue to provide all of the goods the country needs to get through the lockdown.

Despite the increased level of exposure, hauliers have said that parking provision has not improved since the Department of Transport published a survey in 2018 identifying the immediate need for 1,411 HGV parking spaces across the country. It is claimed that in the South East alone, 37% more overnight spaces are quired to meet basic demand.

FTA policy manager, 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. No other industry would be expected to operate in such conditions; the government has no excuse not to deliver on its promises.”

Fingers crossed we start to see some improvements in this area now that drivers are finally getting the recognition that they deserve.