More than half of UK lorry drivers remain dissatisfied with the quality and availability of roadside facilities they can access in the UK, research has found.
Independent watchdog Transport Focus said it had surveyed nearly 20,000 lorry drivers over the past three years.
Among the findings were a clear relationship between security and driver wellbeing, with drivers who rated site security poorly significantly less likely to get a good night's sleep.
In addition, a lack of truck parking capacity was said to often leave drivers resorting to lay-by or industrial estate parking – locations without security arrangements.
Transport Focus said that one of the biggest challenges in solving the problems was the planning system, which it said continued to limit the development and expansion of truck parking facilities. It said it wanted to see planning processes that better recognised the needs of freight and supported long-term investment in roadside infrastructure.
Katherine McGowan Downey, senior engagement manager at Transport Focus, said: “There are some really great sites out there, but there simply aren't enough of them, and there isn't enough consistency. Drivers stop multiple times every day, so having access to safe, secure and good-quality facilities is fundamental."
"As a safety-critical profession, drivers need proper rest. If they don't feel secure where they're parked, it impacts their ability to sleep, which ultimately affects everyone using the road network.
"I don't think one organisation can solve this on its own. Government, National Highways, logistics operators and site operators all need to work together. It also needs greater political attention to help address some of the long-term barriers."
McGowan Downey said that recent Government investment had begun to improve some facilities, but added that maintaining momentum was essential.
She said: “We need all lorry drivers to have access to safe, good-quality facilities wherever they need to stop. That means investment, better planning, stronger collaboration and continuing to raise the profile of these issues so they remain a priority.”
