Logistics UK is calling for a national review of the availability of rest facilities for logistics workers, and for truck stops to be incorporated into planning frameworks.
It follows the publication, this month of Transport Focus’ Lorry Drivers’ Facilities Survey Year 2 summary report, which highlighted increased dissatisfaction among HGV drivers regarding the quality of suitable stopping locations.
The report also revealed a strong connection between how safe drivers feel when parked up and their ability to rest properly.
Logistics UK said the survey reinforces issues it has been highlighting regarding driver facilities: a shortage of safe, high-quality rest facilities can contribute to poor health, rising freight crime and increasing difficulties in recruiting and retaining drivers across the logistics sector.
According to the trade association there also needs to be a specific crime code introduced for freight crime to enable better data collection and appropriate sentencing.
Maddi Solloway-Price, Logistics UK Head of Road Freight & English Regions Policy said: “There are many fantastic truck stops already operating, and we are starting to see more investment, which is a move in the right direction.
“However, more still needs to be done, and fast, if we are to address long term dissatisfaction among drivers and attract new talent to the industry.
“There needs to be a change in attitudes towards HGV drivers: improving driver facilities is about more than infrastructure – it’s about valuing the skilled professionals who keep Britain moving and account for 18.4% of the £170 billion the logistics sector contributes each year to the UK economy.”
