Government Announces Facility Funding Winners

Last month, on September 11th, the UK government announced the winners of the £8 million funding for improving driver facilities at rest stops & service stations around the UK, in round 1 of applications. In total 39 facilities will receive the funding, for a variety of upgrades from larger parking areas, and welfare facility overhauls, to improving parking security.

 The funding has come as part of the government’s 'HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme', an ongoing investment between government and industry to support the logistics sector, helping to boost economic growth.

The Roads Minister, MP Richard Holden said: "Day and night, our lorry drivers and hauliers work tirelessly to deliver essential food, goods and medical supplies up and down the country. As we continue supporting the haulage sector in playing its crucial role in helping to grow the economy, these first winners will help ensure lorry drivers have great facilities where they can safely park, sleep and rest."

Key Points from the announcement:

• Lorry drivers will enjoy better rest areas and more secure parking thanks to nearly £8 million awarded to 39 roadside facility operators across England

• Funding part of up to £100 million in joint government and industry investment to improve roadside facilities, supporting recruitment and workforce retention

• The second round of funding opened with the announcement on September 11th, for roadside operators to bid for further investment, as the government continues to support the haulage sector and grow the economy

Britain’s roads are widely considered among the safest around the world, the government is now starting to work on helping the sector improve driver welfare, boost drivers’ security, and continue to guarantee road safety, all of which have been long-awaited changes by the sector.

In total, it's planned that £100 million will be spent between the industry and government from now to March 2025 to improve lorry roadside facilities for drivers.

We've spent plenty of time behind the wheel ourselves, so we know firsthand how these improvements, to boost welfare facilities like showers, rest areas, and restaurants, will make a big difference for the winning bidders. 

The question remains though, is the government doing enough - £8 million across 39 facilities, is just a small dent, in an ever-growing sector. Let us know your thoughts!

You can view the full list of winners here: HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme: round 1 winners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)