Road safety in Wales boosted by FTA recommendation

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Decent overnight lorry parking facilities on Wales’ trunk roads are one step closer after a recommendation made by the Freight Transport Association was accepted by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). The leading trade body has argued that by allowing lorry drivers access to secure truck stops in which to take their legally-required rest periods, road safety will be markedly improved.

Ian Gallagher, FTA’s policy manager for Wales, said:

“A lack of safe and secure lorry parking facilities in Wales presents drivers with a real challenge as they look for appropriate places to stop. The consequences of drivers not having access to truck stops are very serious as not only does the quality of their rest have a real impact on the safety of their driving, but it also puts them at the mercy of truck thieves who are quite happy with the lack of secure parking facilities available to loaded trucks."

Earlier this year, FTA revealed a wholesale dissatisfaction with the standard and scale of truck stop provision in the UK. A survey showed that two-thirds of FTA members rated truckstop driver facilities, their availability and security levels to be ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. None of the respondents rated truck stops as ‘very good’.

Gallagher concluded:

”We are pleased that the Welsh Government accepts that the issues of truck parking transcend the 'not-in-my-backyard' argument that traditionally hinders their progress. Now the powers that be have accepted there is a problem we look forward to seeing some actual results.”

Notes for editors

In its written response to the Enterprise and Learning Committee’s Report on Casualty Reduction and Trunk Road Management, FTA recommended that the Welsh Government leads development of ‘a coherent strategy for the provision of driver facilities’ and that the Regional Transport Consortia work with local authorities to ensure adequate provision of regularly spaced rest and overnight facilities for HGV drivers on major freight routes.

The WAG accepted the recommendation and will consider it as part of the Route Management Strategies that are being developed for the motorway and trunk road network. As set out in its National Transport Plan, its aim is to have these Strategies in place for each corridor by 2011.
 

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