HGV drivers in the UK will benefit from a further £20 million of funding to improve roadside facilities, as part of continued government action to boost driver welfare and tackle the effects of the global driver shortage in the UK.

The funding is part of National Highways’ existing £169 million Users and Communities Fund and will go specifically towards improving security, showers and eating facilities, as well as exploring increasing parking spaces for lorry drivers. Roadside service operators are being encouraged to apply for the multimillion-pound fund immediately.

The funding takes the total government investment in driver facilities to £52.5 million since last year.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said, “HGV drivers play a key role in keeping our nation running and contributing to the economy, and it is vital they feel safe and comfortable wherever they stop.”

“That’s why we’re allocating £20 million to ramp up security and improve amenities for drivers – building on the raft of measures we’ve already taken to support the industry.”

Mags Simpson, Logistics UK’s Head of Policy Engagement said, “The announcement of an additional £20 million to boost HGV driver facilities is a positive step forward for industry, and Logistics UK is now calling on roadside service operators to urgently apply for funding.”

“Logistics UK members have previously cited the lack of available lorry parking and suitable roadside facilities as one of the main barriers to recruitment and as a result, an increase in funding for this vital sector of the economy is much welcomed news,” said Mags.

Meanwhile, DVSA carried out 27,144 HGV driving tests between October and December last year compared to the same period in 2019 when 17,685 HGV tests were carried out.

Photo: Roads Minister Baroness Vere.