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Re: Roadside Facilities Policy Review — public consultation Dear Ms

13th December 2007
Page 9
Page 9, 13th December 2007 — Re: Roadside Facilities Policy Review — public consultation Dear Ms
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Burgess As the leading magazine in the road freight transport industry it is appropriate that we contribute to the public consultation on roadside facilities. We have canvassed Commercial Motor readers for their views and the following submission takes into account those views. While there are many issues to address we will focus on three key areas: security, frequency and facilities.

1. Security: The build-up to Christmas has shown that security is the major issue. Almost every week Commercial Motor is running news stories about loads or vehicles that have been stolen ,of ten from motorway service areas (MS As). This is clearly a matter of public concern, not only because of the goods which are lost from these vehicles, but also for the safety and security of the drivers of these vehicles because the attacks are becoming increasingly violent. There must be a legal requirement for a minimum security standard at every truckstop on the strategic network; either in the form of a standard blueprint for a truckstop or simply clear, strict guidelines. This will give drivers the confidence to take their compulsory breaks safe in the knowledge that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the security of themselves, their trucks and the goods in their care.These truckstops must focus solely on the security needs of the trucks and their drivers rather than catering for cars too. At the very least 'truck-only' provision needs to be made at all MSAs.

2.1Frequency: With such a nationwide security standard in place it would be possible to address the issue of frequency. As you are no doubt aware, it is a legal requirement for truck drivers to stop and rest for 45min after 41/2 hours' driving, and then again after another 41/2 hours. Some will then spend the night in their trucks before moving on to their destinations. Secure truckstops should be at frequent enough intervals so no driver is forced to spend the night in a lay-by where there are no facilities and no security.

3. Facilities: As an absolute minimum every truckstop must offer toilets, food, drink and security — and showers if it is to allow trucks to stay overnight. There must he a minimum standard and women must be suitably catered for. Some women have been in touch with Commercial Motor saying they do not wish to come into the industry because it does not cater for them. Road transport is vital for the UK economy and it is desperately short of recruits.lt certainly does not have the luxury of being able to turn away potential drivers.

Truck and van drivers in the UK use the strategic network to keep the UK economy rolling. As such there is a moral obligation on society to provide them with adequate security and comfort. And failing to meet this obligation makes UK roads more dangerous for all road users.

Yours sincerely, Andy Salter Editor

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