Roadside facilities for HGV drivers will receive £20 million in an overhaul designed to improve welfare standards…
Better Facilities for HGV Drivers
HGV drivers will soon have access to improved roadside facilities thanks to a £20 million upgrade. Designed to improve welfare standards and recruitment, the funds are a part of National Highways’ existing £169m Users and Communities Fund. In particular, the funds will be used to offer better showering facilities, improved security and better eating areas. In addition, more parking spaces will be made available for HGV drivers.
The new funding means that the government’s total investment in driving facilities will reach £52.5 million since 2021. In the previous Budget, the Chancellor pledged £32.5 million to improving facilities for HGV drivers. Operators of roadside facilities are being urged to apply for funding as soon as they possibly can.
‘A Key Role’
Baroness Vere, roads minister, commented on the key role played by drivers of HGVs. She said, “HGV drivers play a key role in keeping our nation running and contributing to the economy, and it is vital they feel safe and comfortable wherever they stop. That’s why we’re allocating £20m to ramp up security and improve amenities for drivers – building on the raft of measures we’ve already taken to support the industry”. She added, “we’ll continue to work closely with the sector to boost professional driver numbers even further”.
Ken McMeikan, CEO of Moto hospitality, welcomed the increased funding. He said, “this announcement is a welcome boost for the UK’s hardworking HGV drivers and the sector. It is encouraging to see that the input provided by Moto and other industry figures have been acknowledged and acted upon by the Department for Transport”.
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