Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relationship between the quantity and quality of lorry parking facilities and the (1) number, and (2) diversity, of lorry drivers.

The National Survey of Lorry Parking, which was published on 29^th September 2022, is our primary evidence base to understand what improvements to lorry parking facilities are most needed and where they are needed. The survey showed an average shortage of 4,068 HGV parking spaces for the month of March 2022, and identified driver concerns with the quality of welfare facilities and security of lorry parks.

HGV driver numbers are stabilising. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes data from the Annual Population Survey on the number of HGV drivers in the UK; these are published on a quarterly basis. In the year July 2022 to June 2023 there were 287,600 HGV drivers. There were 19,500 fewer HGV drivers compared to the year July 2018 to June 2019. This is significantly up from the height of the HGV driver shortage where there were 271,800 drivers in the year January 2021 to December 2021.

In respect of diversity, the ONS’ Annual Population Survey showed that 2% of HGV drivers were women, and that 35% of HGV drivers were over the age of 55 with 17% of the workforce under the age of 35.

To investigate the issue further, we commissioned a rapid evidence review of recruitment and retention issues in the HGV driver workforce, which found that a lack of or poor facilities was perceived to be one of the most important barriers to recruitment and retention.

Therefore, the Government recognises the need to ensure all hauliers have access to appropriate services and facilities, including to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.

That is why lorry drivers will soon benefit from improved roadside facilities and safer rest areas thanks to up to £100 million investment from industry and Government via the ‘HGV parking and welfare grant scheme’ and National Highways funding to improve roadside facilities. This funding will support operators to make improvements, such as better security, showers and eating facilities, as well as possibly increasing spaces for lorry drivers.

On 11 September, we announced 39 successful applications who will potentially receive up to *£7 million in government funding from the first application window of the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme. Bids received were for improvements to welfare facilities, enhanced security as well as increased parking capacity.

Window 2 closed on 20 November and applications are currently being reviewed.

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.