Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the number of safe parking space for hauliers in the UK.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring hauliers have access to appropriate services and facilities.

That is why we are investing £52.5 million in roadside facilities in England for HGV drivers on the road. DfT officials are developing detailed proposals for £32.5m funding, including appropriate grant mechanisms and setting well evidenced criteria. More information will be publicly available in due course with an announcement expected in late Autumn. However, roadside service operators are being encouraged to apply for the National Highways £20 million fund immediately.

The funding will go towards supporting operators to make improvements such as improving security, sanitary and eating facilities as well as possibly increasing parking spaces for lorry drivers.

We have commissioned a ‘National Survey of Lorry Parking’, which was published on 29^th September 2022 and will be used as our primary evidence base to understand what improvements are most needed and where they are needed. The survey and its output will be used to set criteria for government funding. In addition, the Survey is available to support planning applications for new lorry parking.

An update to the Strategic Road Network Circular 02/2013 went to public consultation in July. The circular sets out planning policy in relation to the strategic road network and roadside facilities.

The Department continues to engage with key stakeholders to encourage the development of more safe, secure, and high-quality lorry parking to improve driver welfare.