Rate hikes deter truckstops
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from improving site facilities
roger.brownfarbi.co.uk THE ROAD HAULAGE Association (RHA) believes truckstop operators are being discouraged from improving their sites because they arc worried their business rates will increase if they do so.
In a response to the Department for Transport's consultation on roadside facilities, the RHA says rateable values for site owners should be held or reduced to make it more attractive for them to invest in security features like CCTV, lighting and fencing.
The RHA says: "Motorway service area operators have little incentive to make improvements as rateable values are increased if they do so. Improved security would decrease the number of thefts and attacks on drivers and make the facilities more attractive to operators and their drivers."
Stuart Tanton, owner of the Docklands truckstop in Goole, East Yorks, describes the situation over rateable values as "ridiculous".
-If I decide to concrete my yard, this can double my business rates': he explains The RHA also wants to see: • Better signage for truckstops.
• Improved use of land, so drivers do not receive penalty notices for parking in nonH G V spaces.
• Consideration for using coach bays or car and caravan spaces overnight for HGVs.
• Sharing of facilities with parkand-ride sites.
• Truck parking to be considered in all port expansion approvals.
• See next week's CM for a full investigation into truck parking.
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