Transport watchdog states facilities for lorry drivers need to be improved

In response, the watchdog is now working with both the public and private sectors to create long-term solutions aimed at improving the availability and standards of rest stops.

The survey highlights that many drivers do not feel welcome, safe, or able to access essential services such as meals or proper rest at current facilities.

The survey launch coincides with the start of National Lorry Week, which celebrates the crucial role of lorry drivers and the broader transport community in keeping the nation's roads moving.

Transport Focus's Lorry Driver Facilities Survey gathered feedback from over 7,000 lorry drivers, evaluating conditions at a third of motorway services, 'A' road services, and truck stops across England. Future surveys will cover additional sites over the next two years.

Fewer than four in ten drivers expressed satisfaction with the availability of parking spaces in the UK. When services are unavailable, drivers are sometimes forced to park in laybys or industrial estates, which often lack basic amenities like toilets and have limited security.

The ongoing driver shortage, currently standing at 24% according to official Department for Transport statistics, is exacerbated by an aging workforce. As a large portion of drivers approach retirement, the sector faces an additional challenge, with women making up just 2% of the workforce, representing an underutilised talent pool.

Among the sites surveyed, the Formula truck stop in Ellesmere Port received the highest ratings, with 99% of lorry drivers expressing satisfaction. This highlights best practices within the sector and sets a benchmark for future improvements. High-performing sites demonstrate the positive outcomes achievable through proper investment and attention to driver needs.

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Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Lorry drivers are crucial to the economy, transporting goods across the country to fill supermarkets shelves and get medical supplies to hospitals. Many of us take for granted our ability to use the toilet, make a hot drink and get a proper rest when we need to. But for lorry drivers, these basic needs often aren’t being met.

“Our new research shows the scale of the problem that persists and that's why we are bringing government and industry together to develop a long-term solution so we can keep our lorries, and the people who drive them, moving safely.”

Transport Focus is calling for four key areas to be addressed:

• Better and consistent quality of services - work must be done to drive up standards and ensure consistent quality of facilities across sites.
• Parking capacity that meets demand - there should be a sustained focus on increasing parking capacity and lorry driver facilities in the right places to ensure that availability meets the growing demand.
• Safety and security for drivers and vehicles - standards must be improved, particularly at sites where there are security concerns, so that drivers and loads are safe and feel safe.
• Providing a welcoming environment - the approach of some services, which leaves lorry drivers feeling less valued than other customers, must be challenged.

These results come ahead of a roundtable next year, hosted by Transport Focus, which will gather government, truck stop owners, motorway service operators, trade associations and the wider roads industry to develop a long-term solution to keep lorries, and the people who drive them, moving safely.

Future of Roads Minister Lillian Greenwood said: “Lorry drivers are the unsung heroes of our economy, and they deserve easily available parking, secure rest areas, and modern welfare facilities so that they can work and drive with confidence.

“That’s why the Department and industry are investing up to £43.5 million to upgrade truckstops all over the country, on top of £26 million from National Highways and industry, and we will work closely with Transport Focus and the sector to continue improving working conditions for lorry drivers, supporting jobs, and getting us back to growth.”

National Highways Chief Customer and Strategy Officer Elliot Shaw said: “HGV drivers are the backbone of the economy and that’s why we are investing £13 million into improving lorry park facilities across the country. We have received positive feedback on improvements we have completed so far.

“National Highways is dedicated to working alongside industry partners to ensure safe, comfortable, and secure rest areas for all HGV drivers."

The Government, National Highways, and industry are investing up to £64 million to provide more parking for HGVs and better conditions for lorry drivers and Transport Focus wants to see the industry deliver on its commitment to improve the experience for lorry drivers.