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HGV drivers deserve better, says Logistics UK following National Survey of Lorry Parking

Commercial drivers are being ignored when it comes to their right to use proper hygiene and rest facilities while working, according to business group Logistics UK.

Speaking after the government’s publication of the National Survey of Lorry Parking (2022) Part 2, Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy at Logistics UK is stressing the group’s call for the delivery of urgent reform to the planning system, which would both facilitate the provision of more parking facilities on key routes and incentivise investment from the private sector. 

The survey, conducted for DfT, highlighted that overnight parking demand for commercial vehicle spaces is consistently above what is deemed to be ‘critical capacity’, with the number of vehicles requiring safe and secure overnight parking exceeding capacity for 11 out of 12 months.

“The publication of the latest lorry parking survey demonstrates just how desperate and urgent the need is for more secure facilities for these vehicles, an issue which our members have been pressing government to help fix for a long time,” says Walker.

“Drivers need safe, secure and clean facilities to take mandatory rests and to look after basic human needs – something which workers in other sectors take for granted. They must be confident that those facilities will have the space to accommodate them when they arrive.

“Our industry is working hard to attract a younger, more diverse workforce,” he continues, “but this issue undoubtedly harms the appeal of working in logistics.”

In 2022, an additional £20million in funding was announced to boost HGV driver facilities, but as highlighted by this report, the benefits of this have not yet been fully felt.

“Lorry drivers are required by law to take regular rest periods,” stresses Walker, “including overnight-mandated rest breaks and it’s unacceptable to expect them to sleep in unprotected and often unsafe locations.

“Urgent reform to the planning system is vital for the provision of more parking facilities on key routes and private sector investment.

“The government and private sector must work collaboratively to take urgent action on this issue to protect the workforce which drives all areas of the UK’s economy,” Walker urges.

“We stand ready to help them deliver what our industry has been demanding for so long.” 

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns   

Published On: 15/06/2023 12:00:00

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In brief

Roads Investment Strategy (RIS3) update now open for consultation

National Highways has published its Strategic Road Network Initial Report for 2025-2030 setting out advice to government on improving and maintaining crucial motorways and A-roads over a five-year period, which will be formalised in the next RIS3.

The report does not include any new road-building schemes other than those carried over from RIS2 (such as the Lower Thames Crossing), instead focussing on:

A reduction in fatalities and serious injuries through interventions such as targeted upgrades to single carriageway A-roads, initially focusing on 17 routes covering 147 miles.
Increasing investment in small local schemes – those valued £2m to £25m – to spread opportunity and tackle known safety and congestion issues, often via improved slip roads and junctions connecting to local roads.

Providing road users with more real-time and personalised information covering congestion, on-going incidents, planned roadworks, events and the availability of electric vehicle charging points, giving them alternative routes if necessary.
A greater focus on improving journey experiences, including considering lorry parking facilities as part of the design and planning of projects where a need is identified.
Enabling the transition to zero carbon motoring by supporting the installation of around 2,500 open-access rapid charge points for electric vehicles on the network by 2030.
Increasing proactive maintenance – fixing problems before they emerge – with the aim of reducing large repairs and disruption on the network, while also driving efficiency and roadworker safety through the increased use of autonomous plant on work sites.

The report is now open for consultation and Logistics UK will be responding in due course.

Update on Clean Air Zone (CAZ) briefing note

Logistics UK has updated its monthly members-only CAZ briefing note. The document covers Logistics UK’s policy position on urban air quality restrictions and contains information on all CAZs in development, including Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and other clean air measures proposed for cities across the UK.

The briefing note will continue to be updated as further information is received and when other air quality schemes emerge.        

The main change this month is the introduction of Glasgow’s city centre Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which, as of 1 June 2023, now applies to all vehicle types. Vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards of Euro 4/IV (petrol) or Euro 6/VI (diesel) will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) for entering the zone. The initial penalty charge starts at £60, rising incrementally to £420 for vans, cars, motorcycles and mopeds, and £900 for HGVs and other larger vehicles that repeatedly enter the zone. More information about Glasgow’s LEZ, the area it covers and grace-periods for residents inside the zone is available here.

Logistics UK is seeking feedback from members on their experiences with the Clean Air Zones that have now been implemented. Please share your feedback with Ellis Shelton outlining the details of your experience. Logistics UK’s Member Advice Centre is available to support members with technical or operational questions about CAZs.