HGV roadside facilities receive funding to improve facilities

In October 2024, the UK Government announced a third tranche of funding that will help roadside facility operators improve facilities for HGV Drivers. A total of £ 12.5m will be made available to significantly upgrade truck stops. The aim is to boost welfare amenities such as rest rooms, showers and restaurants, increase the number of parking spaces and improve security. 

This third batch of funding will be invested in sites such as a lorry park in Immingham, Lincolnshire and a truck park in Kent. The total funding now stands at £64m with the National Highways HGV Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme. 

“Day and night, our lorry drivers and hauliers work tirelessly to deliver essential food, goods and medical supplies up and down the country. 

As we continue supporting the haulage sector in playing its crucial role in helping to grow the economy, these first winners will help ensure lorry drivers have great facilities where they can safely park, sleep and rest.” Said Roads Minister Richard Holden, back in September 2023.

The scheme to improve HGV roadside facilities follows the National Survey on lorry parking that was conducted in 2022, that highlighted the need to improve facilities HGV drivers, cited as one of the reasons for people leaving the industry and also for not applying to be a HGV driver. 

Both the UK Government and the logistics industry are implementing a variety of measures that aim to help retain HGV Drivers, but logistics companies can already do much to improve the day to day lives of HGV Drivers and retain drivers. 

Read the Descartes blog, “The ultimate guide to overcoming HGV driver shortages.”