Although pleased that Ashford International Truck Stop, which services commercial traffic to and from mainland Europe, is to increase its capacity from 390 to 650 spaces, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) is concerned that there’s still not enough being done to solve the lorry parking crisis.

Ashford Borough Council has approved plans for the development at Waterbrook Park, which is expected to open in late 2019/early 2020. 

RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said, “Of course this is a welcome move in the right direction. But for those drivers being penalised for parking wherever they can, the opening of the new park is an extremely long way off. Ashford has limited capacity and turns truckers away most nights leaving them no choice but to take their chances on the roadside where they’re vulnerable to criminals and have no access to facilities.”

The RHA says local authorities and government agencies must do more to ensure enough secure HGV parking facilities across the country. And with the prospect of customs processes likely to take longer at UK ports from next March after Brexit, the need for more safe and secure parking in Kent has never been greater.

Photo: Richard Burnett