Unite Launches campaign to improve UK truck parking
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roger.brownIarbi.co.uk UNION UNITE HAS called on the industry to support its campaign to stop truckstop closures, improve standards at ones already in operation, and get new facilities built.
The union has set up an email hotline —truckstopgunitethennion. org — so that drivers can send photos and information highlighting the problems they face.
Unite says it will use the information to lobby the government for improvements in truckstop provision.
According to the union, several of its member drivers have been keeping diaries of their experiences at truckstops around the country. These have drawn attention to problems including inflated parking charges, poor food and drink, dirty toilets and washing facilities, or truckstops closed during public holidays when drivers still require them.
Unite spokeswoman Karen Viquerat says: "Secure
and affordable truckstops are vital for our haulage industry. The union knows it is what members want, and Unite says it is not much to ask.
Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association (FIA). says the organisation supports any initiative to improve facilities for truck drivers. He adds: "The FTA is supporting two EC initiatives: Secure European Truck Parking Operational Services (SETPOS), which is a pilot project aimed at improving parking security; and LABEL, a project aimed at establishing a certiffcation system for truck parking areas in Europe.
"We are also supporting the Department for Transport's strategy to encourage the provision of lorry parks in England. Anything that can be done to improve the comfort, security and dignity of our drivers is most welcome."
A spokesman for the Road Haulage Association says the organisation discussed trucks top provision at its meeting with transport minister Mike Penning last week.
"We are wanting more capacity and more security, especially at motorway service areas. The problems aren't going to be resolved overnight, but I am optimistic that we will make progress," says the spokesman.