The Government has confirmed that truckstop operators in England will be able to bid for up to £315,000 each to markedly improve their facilities.
Upgrades could include new showers and restaurants, as well as better lighting and secure fencing around rest areas. The measures could also create new parking spaces for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to free up local roads.
Today’s decision to open bids for further funding follows £31 million in joint government and industry investment for similar improvements as part of the fund’s first and second application windows.
Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Lorry drivers are part of the backbone of our economy. That’s why we are opening up the third round of funding to continue providing truckers with a hearty breakfast, a warm shower, and a safe place to rest and recover.
“Following our Plan for Drivers and the record £8.3 billion increase to resurface roads, launching the third round of funding to improve truckstops continues to show we’re on the side of all motorists, as we support jobs, grow the economy, and deliver a brighter future for all.”
Commenting on the latest announcement, RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said: “We recently welcomed the announcement of the Government’s grant scheme being awarded to projects which we hope will make a real difference to the experiences of drivers, and today we welcome the announcement that the third round of applications for truck parking improvements is now open.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have on the quality and quantity of safe and secure truck parking spaces nationwide.
“While the improving standards is important, it's essential to address the shortage of decent facilities. That means we need to see more truck-stops being built soon, with stronger security and better facilities. This will help raise standards across the country.
“To see this in action, we continue to urge Government locally and nationally to work collaboratively to simplify the planning process to assist applicants with developing new sites quickly.”
“We welcome this progress. There’s much more to do but this is a step in the right direction,” he added.
Truckstop operators can find more information and apply for funding here