National Highways has approved £3m for operators to improve lorry parks since December 2023, part of a £13m spend due by next March.
The government-owned company described the £13m spend as a vital step in addressing the challenges faced by HGV drivers, citing a survey last year that revealed issues of limited parking, inadequate and unclean facilities and security for both drivers and their vehicles.
The cash is part of National Highways’ Users and Communities Designated Fund and is helping truck stop operators improve welfare facilities, strengthen safety and security measures and increase parking capacity.
National Highways said that since December it has worked with operators to match fund £3m in lorry park upgrades across England, with at least another £10m planned by March 2025.
To date, more than 25 roadside operators have been approved grant awards benefiting 128 sites across England, including independent truck stops, trunk road service areas, motorway service areas and a local authority site.
Recently completed improvements have led to upgraded showers, toilets, fencing, and CCTV installations at 45 sites, including at York Lorry Park, Exelby Services and Scunthorpe Truck Stop.
Works are progressing at other sites including Glews, Chippenham Pit Stop and Junction 26, with ongoing works across the country.
A newly refurbished accessible female shower at Watling Street
Roads minister Lilian Greenwood has now announced an additional 23 successful applicants from the third window of the Department for Transport’s HGV parking and driver welfare match funding grant scheme.
She said: ‘Lorry drivers are a core part of our workforce and are vital to keep our economy moving. That’s why improving their working conditions is a crucial step to strengthen our supply chain, support jobs, and get our country back to growth.'
Freda Rashdi, head of customer journeys at National Highways said: ‘Through the projects we’re delivering this year, we’re committed to playing our part in transforming lorry parking facilities across England, ensuring that HGV drivers have the quality rest areas they need and deserve.’
York Lorry Park was the first site to benefit from these improvements, with upgrades including new male and female shower and changing facilities, an accessible toilet, and an ‘inviting’ entrance corridor.
