Nearly half of all lorry drivers in the UK are dissatisfied with the quality and availability of suitable rest stops, according to a new survey from the independent watchdog, Transport Focus.
The findings, which come as National Lorry Week gets underway, reveal a stark reality: many HGV drivers feel unwelcome, unsafe, and unable to access even the most basic amenities during their working day.
Transport Focus is now urging both the public and private sectors to come together to find long-term solutions that will improve the quality and availability of rest stops.
Chief Executive Alex Robertson stressed the critical importance of lorry drivers to the economy, stating, “Lorry drivers are crucial to the economy, transporting goods across the country to fill supermarket shelves and get medical supplies to hospitals. Many of us take for granted our ability to use the toilet, make a hot drink, and get a proper rest when we need to. But for lorry drivers, these basic needs often aren’t being met.”
The Lorry Driver Facilities Survey, the largest of its kind, gathered the experiences of over 7,000 lorry drivers at a third of all motorway services, ‘A’ road services, and truck stops across England. With the remaining sites set to be included over the next two years, the survey aims to paint a full picture of the state of rest facilities nationwide.
The findings are concerning. Fewer than four in ten drivers are satisfied with the number of stopping places available. When services are unavailable, drivers are forced to park in laybys or industrial estates—areas with no security or access to essential facilities like toilets. As one lorry driver put it, “I drive about 4,000 miles per week. I’m shattered when I get to truck stops and want a nice shower, healthy food, and good sleep. Some truck stops offer only unhealthy food, and the showers and toilets are dirty. It’s just making my life so upsetting and stressful.”
While much of the news is bleak, there are bright spots. Formula Services truck stop in Ellesmere Port emerged as the best-rated location, with a 99% satisfaction rate among drivers. Alex Robertson highlighted this as an example of what can be achieved with the right investment and focus on driver needs, pointing to the high-performing site as a benchmark for improvement across the sector.
National Lorry Week, which celebrates the vital role of HGV drivers, comes at a challenging time for the industry. The UK driver shortage remains critical, with the Department for Transport’s official statistics revealing a vacancy gap of 24%. The ageing workforce and low representation of women—who make up just 2% of drivers—exacerbate the problem.
The Government, National Highways, and private sector partners are investing up to £64 million to improve facilities. Future of Roads Minister Lillian Greenwood noted, “Lorry drivers are the unsung heroes of our economy, and they deserve easily available parking, secure rest areas, and modern welfare facilities so they can work and drive with confidence.”
This investment includes a roundtable discussion next year, convened by Transport Focus, to bring together government, truck stop owners, motorway service operators, and trade associations. The aim? To develop a long-term strategy to improve conditions for lorry drivers.
Key areas Transport Focus wants addressed include:
Improved Quality of Services: Raising standards to ensure consistent quality across all facilities.
Adequate Parking Capacity: Meeting the growing demand for parking spaces in strategic locations.
Safety and Security: Making sure drivers and their vehicles are protected, especially at sites where security is currently a concern.
Welcoming Environment: Challenging attitudes that make lorry drivers feel undervalued compared to other customers.
National Highways has committed £13 million to upgrading lorry park facilities. Elliot Shaw, National Highways’ Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, emphasised, “HGV drivers are the backbone of the economy, and that’s why we are investing in safe, comfortable, and secure rest areas for all HGV drivers.”
Ash Evans, Operations Manager at Formula Premier Truckstop, welcomed the survey’s findings: “I’m delighted that visitors in Transport Focus’s survey have given Formula truck stop such a vote of confidence. We’re looking forward to coming together at Transport Focus’s roundtable to discuss how we can ensure lorry drivers get a better deal wherever they stop.”
Ashton Cull from the Road Haulage Association echoed these sentiments, noting that the survey highlights the everyday struggles drivers face just trying to do their jobs safely. “We look forward to working with Transport Focus and the wider sector on solutions to improve our roadside facilities,” Cull said.
The message is clear: without significant improvements, the challenges facing lorry drivers will continue, impacting not just their quality of life, but the supply chains that keep the country moving. National Lorry Week serves as a reminder of the dedication of lorry drivers and the need for immediate, effective action to ensure they receive the support and facilities they deserve.
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