Transport Focus and SNAP call for greater industry action after new research highlights the need for safer, higher-quality truck parking and stronger collaboration across government and industry.
More than half of HGV drivers remain dissatisfied with both the quality and availability of roadside facilities across the UK, according to Transport Focus, as the independent watchdog urges greater collaboration to improve driver welfare, road safety and the resilience of the freight industry.
Speaking during an interview with SNAP, Katherine McGowan Downey, Senior Engagement Manager at Transport Focus, said inconsistent standards across truck stops and parking facilities continue to impact drivers’ wellbeing, despite examples of excellent sites operating across the country.
Transport Focus has surveyed almost 20,000 lorry drivers over the past three years, with more than half reporting dissatisfaction with both the quality and quantity of stopping places available. The findings reinforce growing concerns that access to safe, secure, and welcoming facilities remains one of the transport sector’s biggest challenges.
“There are some really great sites out there, but there simply aren’t enough of them, and there isn’t enough consistency,” said Katherine McGowan Downey. “Drivers stop multiple times every day, so having access to safe, secure and good-quality facilities is fundamental.”
The research also found a clear relationship between security and driver wellbeing. Drivers who rated site security poorly were significantly less likely to report getting a good night’s sleep, highlighting how parking quality directly affects both driver welfare and road safety.
“As a safety-critical profession, drivers need proper rest,” Katherine continued. “If they don’t feel secure where they’re parked, it impacts their ability to sleep, which ultimately affects everyone using the road network.”
Capacity remains another significant concern. When secure truck parks are full, drivers are often left with little choice but to park in lay-bys or industrial estates where security is minimal, increasing both personal safety risks and the threat of cargo theft.
Transport Focus believes improving facilities cannot be achieved by any single organisation alone.
“I don’t think one organisation can solve this on its own,” Katherine explained.
“Government, National Highways, logistics operators and site operators all need to work together. It also needs greater political attention to help address some of the long-term barriers.”
One of the biggest challenges identified is the planning system, which continues to limit the development and expansion of truck parking facilities. Transport Focus is calling for planning processes that better recognise the needs of freight and support long-term investment in roadside infrastructure.
The organisation has already begun driving change through detailed research, industry roundtables, and an action plan developed alongside key stakeholders. Its Logistics and Coach Survey has also become a formal performance indicator for National Highways, helping ensure freight operators’ experiences are reflected in how the strategic road network is assessed.
Commenting on the findings, Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director of SNAP said:
“Professional drivers keep the UK supplied every single day, yet too many are still struggling to find safe, secure places to stop. Katherine’s insights reinforce what drivers have been telling the industry for years. Better facilities are not simply a convenience; they’re essential for safety, wellbeing and operational resilience.
“At SNAP, we’re committed to making it easier for fleets and drivers to locate, book and pay for secure truck parking across the UK and Europe. Technology has an important role to play alongside continued investment in infrastructure, helping drivers access trusted facilities while supporting operators in planning safer, more efficient journeys.”
While Katherine acknowledged that recent government investment has begun to improve some facilities, she stressed that maintaining momentum is essential.
“We need all lorry drivers to have access to safe, good-quality facilities wherever they need to stop,” she said. “That means investment, better planning, stronger collaboration and continuing to raise the profile of these issues so they remain a priority.”
As demand on the UK’s freight network continues to grow, both Transport Focus and SNAP believe improving roadside facilities will be critical not only for attracting and retaining drivers but also for ensuring a safer, more resilient supply chain for the future.
