The UK government has announced £12.5 million in joint funding from both government and industry to enhance facilities at lorry parks across England to improve conditions for lorry drivers. The funding comes from the third round of the HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme, which includes £8 million from industry sources.
The latest investment will create 430 new parking spaces at sites such as Immingham Lorry Park in Lincolnshire and Embassy Truck Park in Kent, easing congestion caused by HGVs parking on roadsides or in town centres.
The scheme also aims to improve amenities for drivers, including better dining areas, changing rooms, rest facilities, as well as enhanced security measures like CCTV and secure fencing.
This funding marks the third year of the HGV parking grant scheme and follows previous investments that total £31 million in combined government and industry funding to improve roadside facilities for lorry drivers.
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the industry has consistently lobbied for improvements in driver welfare and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of these new developments for the workforce.
“We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England. The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving,” said RHA Director of Public Affairs and Policy, Declan Pang.
The announcement forms part of a broader strategy to modernise and sustain the UK’s freight sector. Beyond lorry park enhancements, the government is investing in new technologies through its Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator Programme.
The total joint investment from the government and industry to improve lorry parking now stands at £64 million, including other programmes such as the National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme.