Calls have come from the UK’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) to cut the red tape relating to planning rules for new truck stops in order that HGV drivers get increased access to secure and safe facilities by the roadside. The RHA is also lobbying for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to be reformed so that developers get the permission they need faster.
The amendments called for include the need to reflect national and regional lorry parking requirements, with driver welfare being prioritised. According to the RHA, there is currently a shortage of around 11,000 overnight truck parking stops nationally, compelling truckers to park on industrial estates and in laybys where washing, toilet & food facilities are scarce.
Scope of Clause 109 Is ‘Too Narrow’ For Its Intended Purpose
At present, local planning authorities refer to Clause 109 when assessing potential new truck stops, which states:
“Planning policies and decisions should recognise the importance of providing adequate overnight lorry parking facilities, taking into account any local shortages, to reduce the risk of parking in locations that lack proper facilities or could cause a nuisance.
Proposals for new or expanded distribution centres should make provision for sufficient lorry parking to cater for their anticipated use.”
The RHA, however, makes the argument that the clause is too narrow for its intended purpose and that local shortage data is hard to determine and reinforces the perception of lorry parking as being a nuisance.
Reflecting the Importance of Road Haulage in the UK
Essentially, what is being called for is sufficient recognition of the national significance of UK road haulage and the fact that it represents our economy’s backbone. As such, the RHA has put forward the following amendments for the NPPF:
- Both national & regional lorry park space requirements, rather than just local
- Extra infrastructure, as we move to renewable fuels, like hydrogen & electric
- The requirement to minimise distance travelled
- Logistics requirements are part of the equation
- The need to cater for driver welfare
The wisdom behind the reforms is that, if accepted, they would compel local planning authorities to take the importance of the haulage industry and driver welfare needs into account when assessing planning applications for new facilities.
RHA MD Richard Smith had this to say on the matter:
“The planning framework is sadly not fit for purpose, which is why we’re proposing reform. The facilities out on the road for truckers are often poorly kept and unsafe. They should be able to rely on somewhere safe and secure to park overnight with access to clean toilets, showers and decent food.
We’re keen to work with the government to help raise the quality and availability of roadside facilities for our drivers. They deserve better.”
Safety & Comfort Is Key to Attracting New Drivers
At HGVC, we support the RHA in calling for an easier planning process for truckstop facilities, as comfort and safety are key in attracting new drivers into the industry. At present, the shortage of adequate facilities is contributing to the shortage of drivers, so the quicker they’re put into the place, the more welcoming and appealing the industry will look.
In the meantime, we will continue as one of the UK’s largest HGV driver training companies to deliver scalable licence acquisition programs via our national network of centres. To find out more about this, please take a moment to browse our website, which shows you what sets us apart from the competition.
Alternatively, to speak to us directly about how our driver training can help you andyour business, click on ‘contact us’ or call us on 0330 818 8888 today.
