The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been shared by the Road Haulage Association on Twitter.
In the open letter itself, the signatories welcome the actions in the UK Government’s Future of Freight plan. However, concerns were also raised about there being little information about plans to increase the number of lorry parking spaces.
The signatories stress that there is an estimated shortage of 11,000 lorry parking places in the UK, and that established facilities of key routes are often at capacity.
“This situation leads to drivers taking rest periods in insecure locations such as laybys and industrial estates often. There they have no access to basic facilities, and no protection from criminals looking to steal valuable loads and fuel,” reads one fragment of the letter.
The letter then calls on the UK Government to do the following:
- Establish a cross-departmental taskforce to review existing driver facilities and work with industry, operators and local authorities on a viable long-term solution to increase available facilities across the country.
- Reform the existing planning framework, working v1th local authorities to ensure that appropriate parking plans are developed to meet industry needs.
- Commit to the increased funding commitment for roadside facilities, looking at both quantity and quality.
You find out if your local MP signed the letter here:
Today, we’re delivering an open letter, signed by 77 MPs and Lords from across the political spectrum, to the Prime Minister @RishiSunak @10DowningStreet, calling on the Government to improve roadside facilities for HGV and coach drivers. #driverfacilities Read below 👇 pic.twitter.com/HL8ztnRez0
— RHA News (@RHANews) April 25, 2023
Photo © Copyright David Martin and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence