The UK logistics sector is currently grappling with a severe infrastructure deficit, short of an estimated 11,000 secure parking spaces for HGVs. This shortage has created a pressing safety issue for drivers and freight operators alike.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) reports that over half of lorry drivers feel vulnerable during overnight stops, with 43% having experienced theft or attempted theft. According to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), cargo theft from trucks in the UK averaged more than nine incidents per day in 2025.
Unlocking existing capacity
Instead of waiting for long-term government infrastructure projects, Lancashire-based transport firm McMurrays Haulage has launched a peer-to-peer digital solution called Park Safe.
Developed in partnership with Aaron Conlon, an IT specialist and 50% shareholder in the company, the platform operates on a simple principle: allowing transport operators to monetise the empty spaces in their own secure yards by renting them out to other hauliers.
David McMurray, Managing Director at McMurrays Haulage, views the network as a practical, immediate fix. In a company statement to transportnews.co.uk, he highlighted that the platform bypasses the need for massive capital investment by unlocking capacity that already exists across the country.
Smart technology and driver welfare
The system relies on AI-assisted technology to streamline reservations, enabling drivers to book a guaranteed spot within seconds. To ensure seamless entry after hours, the platform integrates directly with automated gates at participating sites, restricting access only to authorised vehicles.
Beyond safeguarding valuable cargo, the initiative aims to address the industry’s ongoing recruitment and retention struggles by vastly improving driver welfare. The developers note that the modest membership fees are significantly offset by the reduction in theft risks, commercial parking charges, and the operational downtime caused when drivers are forced to search for a safe haven at the end of a long shift.
