Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of safe, affordable areas for heavy goods vehicle drivers to park and rest at night and access to toilet facilities and good quality food; and if he will take steps to ensure that capacity in such facilities is in line with demand.

A survey conducted for the Department in 2010-11 found there were over 270 parking areas within five kilometres of the Strategic Route Network, including Motorway and Trunk Road Service Areas. Facilities varied but most offered toilets and food. The survey also found that parking areas were on average full to 61% of capacity, while 41% of heavy goods vehicles were parked elsewhere.

It is Government policy that the provision of parking areas is a matter for local authorities and the private sector, who are best placed to judge local traffic conditions and needs. Parking charges are also a matter for the commercial judgement of parking operators but all Motorway Service Areas are required by the Department to offer two hours’ free parking to all vehicles.