Socialist truckers aim to act on parking shortage
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II by Dominic Perry
The Socialist Truck Drivers (STD) movement is planning a series of demonstrations to highlight the lack of adequate parking facilities across Europe.
Spokeswoman Rachael Webb says the situation has now reached crisis point: "ft shouldn't be asking too much that at the end of a day driving a large goods vehicle there should be accessible, safe parking with adequate facilities where you don't cause a nuisance to others." She points out that drivers are frequently penalised for going over their hours while frantically searching for somewhere to park up for the night.
"I've got sympathy for people who don't want trucks parked next to their houses, but I've got none for people who want to ban trucks without coming up with solutions,' she adds.
At present there are no dates fixed for any demonstra tions. Webb says that if she ger orates enough interest she wi organise a mass park-up in MP; driveways or in front of polio stations. Of particular concer to the STD is the amount of plar ning applications granted wit out any consideratton given t facilities for truckers.
However, there may be glimmer of hope in the UK wit the publication of the goverr merit's Planning Guidance o Transport which includes the us of planning conditions to opt mise the design of truck parkin
The FTA's Don McIntyre sap. The new planning guidanc sends a number of key met sages to local authorities o issues where they have a ke role in delivering sustainabl transport at the local level."