Logistics UK’s Maddi Solloway-Price stresses the need for quality truck stops

Logistics UK’s Head of Road Freight and English Regions Policy, Maddi Solloway-Price, gave evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee to emphasise the importance of raising the quality of roadside facilities for HGV drivers.

During the session Ms Solloway-Price shared how existing planning policy is significantly slowing down delivery of truck stops that are sorely needed. While there are some fantastic driver facilities available, there just are not enough of them, and drivers continue to face issues such as a lack of proper parking, safety and security and cleanliness of showers and toilets in some areas across the strategic road network.

She also discussed how the lacking infrastructure could be a barrier to attracting female drivers, who currently make up around 2% of the workforce, and impact mental health and wellbeing. She stressed that a lack of proper facilities should be regarded as a safety issue, for example if a driver is overtired behind the wheel of an HGV from having to sleep in a layby the night before.

Driving a greater understanding of how the logistics sector contributes to local economies and policy support will help to improve facilities and for drivers, who are integral to keeping the country moving. Logistics UK is promoting greater awareness of the role the sector plays in its campaign, “Nothing moves without logistics”.

Maddi Solloway-Price said: “It goes without saying that office workers expect access to the basics, such as food and clean toilets, but drivers often have mixed experiences.

“While there are some fantastic facilities, there just aren’t enough of them to meet parking demand. This is having a noticeable knock-on effect on recruitment, retention and attracting new talent.

“Logistics is a dynamic sector and has much to offer employees, but the quality of roadside facilities needs to be improved across the board.

“Reforming planning policy to deliver more rest stops will be a key part, as well as pouring more investment into existing truck stops. Drivers on the roads shouldn’t have to spend lots of time searching for truck stops that meet their needs.”

In the spirit of applauding the facilities that are doing a good job, Logistics UK has launched its search for the Best Truck Stop of the Year where it invites drivers to nominate a roadside facility they believe is deserving of recognition.

Nominations can be made here: https://logistics.org.uk/media/best-truck-stop-of-the-year-2026