Industry: is there enough LGV parking?
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
By Chris Druce ROAD TRANSPORT industry representatives have rubbished government claims that the UK has enough lorry parking.
In its response to the Transport Select Committee's Land Security report, the government said the issue was one for the private sector and local councils, although it continued to hold talks with stakeholders about ways of boosting provision.
"[However], it should be noted that the provision and use of secure parking isn't simply a matter of building more sites," the government response stated.
"Many LGV drivers choose not to park overnight in lorry parks, either because their employer will not pay for parking or because they are given a cash subsistence allowance they would rather not spend on parking."
The statement was backed up with reference to a Department for Transport survey from 2011/12. It found 41% of LGVs parked overnight within 5km of the strategic road network were located in lay-bys or within industrial estates, with only 61% of spaces at lorry parks used.
However, Steve Bowles, joint MD at Roy Bowles Transport, is not convinced. "Heathrow has no provision for 'rest period overnight parking' of trucks as far as I am aware. On Saturday night, I counted at least 10 vehicles parked up on the [nearby] Colnbrook Estate. This is unsafe for drivers and it gives a bad impression of our industry to local residents and businesses. We may well have enough spaces, but they aren't necessarily in the right places."
Don Armour, manager for fleet information at the Freight Transport Association, said: "There remains a shortage of general truck parking, not to mention high-security parking."
Pat Rippingale, a driver for Mobile Promotions, said due to the equipment he was moving, his company always mandated truck parks when necessary.
He said: "There's some good parking out there, but not enough. And some of the service station provision is dire. Drivers don't want fancy TVs, they want decent food and a good shower. The prices being charged would be OK if the facilities measured up."