National lorry parking strategy welcomed by FTA

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Lorry drivers who struggle to find safe and secure parking facilities to take their legally-required rest breaks were given a boost today after the Department for Transport (DfT) unveiled its long-awaited national lorry parking strategy. Leading trade body the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been a strong supporter of a nationally co-ordinated approach to lorry parking provision and welcomes the move.

Malcolm Bingham, Head of Road Traffic Management Policy, said:

“Commercial vehicle drivers are now that much closer to having a choice of decent, safe and well-equipped parking options when they are delivering across England – and well-rested drivers mean safer roads, for all of us.

“While there are some very good truck stops in the UK, the lack of provision across the UK’s road network has been a problem. This DfT strategy represents a great opportunity to recognise the need for safe and secure parking and with proper backing will benefit society and provide dignity for drivers who are far too often left without proper provision and exposed to truck crime.”

Employers in the freight industry need to play their part in looking to use best practice in the selection of facilities for drivers when they are away from base. Organised criminal gangs are known to target lorries parked in vulnerable locations. It is therefore crucial that standards are set for parking facilities that would provide assurances to employers about the levels of security for drivers and loads.

New Europe-wide standards for secure truck parking sites should engender more support from local authorities who have often hidden behind the argument that lorry parking is a national issue for the Highways Agency or DfT to deal with.

Bingham concluded:

“Truckers perform an essential function in our society and it is quite right that they should be afforded a dignified resting environment. We must grasp this opportunity with both hands to make this strategy work.”

Notes for editors

1. The strategy must now connect a range of policy documents including the emerging National Policy Statements, Regional Strategies, Development Frameworks and Transport Plans linked with the Highways Agency policy for roadside facilities.

2. The strategy is also a great opportunity to recognise the emerging European Standards on parking under the SETPOS and LABEL banners. These projects, backed by the European Commission, look to provide standards for security and inform operators and drivers on the availability of truck stops across the EU together with a grading system for security and facilities.

3. Earlier this year, an FTA member survey revealed a wholesale dissatisfaction with the standard and provision of truck stops in the UK.

4. Further media information is available from FTA’s media team on 01892 552255/01892 552253 or, out of hours, on 07985 874248 or 07818 450425.
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk