FTA: driver loo access is human rights issue

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said many of the UK’s truck drivers have been deprived of the human right to sanitation as a result of the lack of toilet facilities on the national road network.

Speaking on the United Nations’ World Toilet Day in November, Elizabeth de Jong, UK policy director at FTA, said: “Despite the invaluable contribution HGV drivers provide to the economy, they are often denied access to very basic amenities.

“The inconsistent provision of toilets and other facilities for HGV drivers across the road network is not good enough; access to hygiene amenities and other welfare services are a basic right for all workers. No other industry would be expected to work without access to toilets, so why should HGV drivers?”

De Jong pointed out that the government had vowed to improve and expand provision of facilities more than 18 months ago.

“Since that promise, amenities have actually become worse,” she continued.

“Nearly all the respondents to a survey conducted by FTA of its member organisations felt there had been no improvement in the facilities for drivers on local roads, and over half of them felt that the provision had become worse over the last 12 months.

“In an industry where you are compelled by law to take regular breaks and rest, it is vital drivers have access to these most basic facilities.”

The issue of driver access to facilities was also raised by Scotland traffic commissioner Claire Gilmore in her annual report this year.