After recent calls for investment to be made in improving truck stop facilities on the UK’s roads, the government has announced the launching of a £19m funding drive. Aimed at delivering improved rest stops and secure parking for lorry drivers, the fund is set to benefit a total of 39 roadside facility operators across England.

Each will receive a share of £11m from industry and a further £8m from the Department of Transport with a view to significantly enhancing facilities for lorry drivers. As part of the funding, HGV parking capacities will be expanded, as well as the addition of better welfare facilities such as restaurants, rest areas and showers.

The HGV Parking & Driver Welfare Grant Scheme

The government is providing the funds via its HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme as part of its £100m joint investment with the industry. Coincidentally, the second window of the roadside facilities operators’ bid for additional funding to continue improving lorry facilities across England – which closes on 20 November – has also been launched.

This latest move is part of the Government’s 33 actions to tackle the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, as well as boost retention and recruitment. Speaking on the matter, Roads Minister Richard Holden had this to say:

“Day and night, our lorry drivers and hauliers work tirelessly to deliver essential food, goods and medical supplies up and down the country. As we continue supporting the haulage sector in playing their crucial role in helping to grow the economy, these first winners will help ensure lorry drivers have great facilities where they can safely park, sleep and rest.”

‘Welcome News for Professional Drivers Using the UK’s Road Network’

Between now and March 2025, the government and industry are set to spend as much as £100m in order to improve roadside facilities for HGV drivers. Kate Jennings, Logistics UK director, was positive about the move, stating:

“Today’s announcement will be welcome news for the professional drivers using the UK’s roads network, who are often forced to take legally mandated rest breaks in their cabs, without access to hygiene facilities, due to a chronic lack of welfare provision on key routes.

This announcement is a positive step forward, and our members operating in England will welcome the planned improvements to accessible facilities for them during the course of their working days.”

Improving Roadside Facilities For UK Drivers is Essential

At HGVC, we are fully behind all government and industry efforts to improve roadside facilities for lorry drivers in the UK. Not only are the improvements long overdue, but they’re critical in both retaining current drivers and attracting much-needed new talent to the sector. It will be great to see the enhancements being made over the coming months.

In the meantime, HGVC will continue to support the industry by providing leading, scalable corporate HGV training programs via our national network of LGV training centres. To learn more about what we do, please take a browse of our website. Alternatively, to speak to us, click ‘contact us’ or call 0333 818 8888, and we’ll be more than happy to assist.