An organisation representing those who work in the road haulage industry has hit out at the ‘filthy and ill-maintained’ state of the UK’s motorway service areas, and called for the problem to be made an election issue.
In a BBC Breakfast interview, Road Haulage Association Chief Executive Richard Burnett claimed the poor state of the facilities could be contributing to the massive shortage of HGV drivers currently experienced in the industry.
Mr Burnett said: “While others use the roads to get to work, for HGV drivers, the roads ARE their place of work and, like any employee, the conditions under which they work are of critical importance and they have the right to expect a good standard. The facilities provided at the vast majority of motorway service areas fall woefully short of what can even be considered to be an acceptable standard.
“At a time when our industry is facing a massive driver shortage, every issue that affects recruitment is vitally important. Who would want to take a job knowing that the basics, for example toilet facilities, are in a shocking state of repair? Professional drivers quite rightly, object to filthy and ill-maintained washing and other hygiene facilities.
“This industry is heavily regulated and drivers, by law, have to take rest breaks. The current standard of facilities at many ‘official’ areas is so inadequate that parking in a layby is often a preferable option. This is unsafe for drivers, their vehicles and their loads. There can be no excuse for poor standards.”
Mr Burnett welcomed the Government’s plan to establish ‘design panels’ of architects and experts to examine the state of motorway service areas, but called upon them to do more to address the problems faced by drivers. He called for more secure parking at motorway services, as well as facilities for HGV drivers.
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