MPs’ report calls for freight crime action

A new report has been published by a cross-party group of MPs, providing recommendations to the government on how it can clamp down on freight crime.

The report from the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for freight and logistics, Securing Our Supply Chains, explores the rise of freight crime and its impact across the country, and was written in collaboration with the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

It was launched at an event in parliament on Tuesday, with various speakers in attendance including APPG chair Rachel Taylor MP, the RHA’s policy manager and freight crime lead Ashton Cull, Sharon Naughton and Michael Dawber from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), and Ben Clark, chief superintendent LCU commander from Thames Valley Police.

Among the issues highlighted by the APPG report, which is available in full at the RHA website, is that police are currently under-resourced to deal with freight crime, resulting in a lack of enforcement action and in turn, under-reporting of incidents.

It calls for action that considers the needs of hauliers, including reform to the National Planning Policy Framework and a national parking programme to tackle the chronic shortage of parking spaces.

Further policy recommendations include the endorsement of coordinated secure parking standards, increased support and resources for law enforcement, and a national freight crime awareness campaign to act as a deterrent to those who see the sector as an easy target.

In 2023, reported incidents of HGV and cargo crime rose by five per cent against the previous year, says the RHA, with offences responsible for the direct loss of £68.3 million in stolen goods according to their wholesale value – though NaVCIS estimates the true value as being up to £700 million.

“Freight crime is low risk, high reward for highly organised criminals and it’s happening daily across our nation,” said RHA managing director Richard Smith.

“It’s destroying businesses, impacting the health, safety and wellbeing of drivers and making it difficult for businesses to recruit and retain staff.

“It’s clear there needs to be a national approach to tackling freight crime. We will continue to call on government to improve roadside facilities for drivers and take necessary action to tackle this issue.”

Rachel Taylor MP added: “The freight and logistics sector underpins our entire economy, yet the industry and its hardworking staff are being increasingly targeted by sophisticated and organised criminal gangs.

“It’s vital we respond to that threat, so I’m pleased to be launching this report today with the APPG for freight and logistics, setting out the action we believe the government should take to crack down on these dangerous criminals and safeguard this crucial industry.”

The report comes in the wake of the publication of a Lorry Driver Facilities Survey earlier this month by industry watchdog Transport Focus, which found that 63 per cent of drivers and 78 per cent of logistics and coach businesses were dissatisfied with the number of available stopping places in the UK.

“Logistics drivers are the heroes of our sector, ensuring that goods arrive where they are needed, on time and in great condition with no fanfare, so it is extremely disappointing they are reporting widespread dissatisfaction with the number and quality of stopping places,” said Michelle Gardner, Logistics UK’s deputy director for policy.

“The research reflects the official data showing over 20 per cent of the 21,234 lorries parked overnight close to motorways and major A-roads are forced to use lay-bys or industrial estates because designated lorry parks are full.

“But even if lorry drivers are not parking up overnight, rest is essential and drivers need to take legally mandated breaks so need appropriate places to stop. And irrespective of the legal requirements over driver hours, drivers are also entitled to access clean, safe and hygienic facilities in the same way that office workers need and expect during their working days.

“Logistics UK has been pressing government to address the shortage of lorry parking and driver facilities for many years and it is vital there is a change in attitudes towards and increased recognition of the strategic importance of road freight to the UK economy if we are going to solve it.

“The recent announcement of £12 million in joint government and industry funding that will create 430 new lorry parking spaces was welcomed by our members but funding alone won’t address the full range of causes behind this shortage.

“Our members are hopeful that the proposed reforms to the planning system will reflect our calls for a greater emphasis on facilities and we will continue to work with the government to ensure drivers have the facilities they need.”

The Transport Focus survey gauged opinion of more than 7,000 lorry drivers about their experience at a third of all motorway services, ‘A’ road services and truck stops in England. Over the next two years, the remainder of sites will be included in the survey.

Alex Robertson, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “Lorry drivers are crucial to the economy, transporting goods across the country to fill supermarkets shelves and get medical supplies to hospitals. Many of us take for granted our ability to use the toilet, make a hot drink and get a proper rest when we need to. But for lorry drivers, these basic needs often aren’t being met.

“Our new research shows the scale of the problem that persists and that’s why we are bringing government and industry together to develop a long-term solution so we can keep our lorries, and the people who drive them, moving safely.”

Future of roads minister Lillian Greenwood added: “Lorry drivers are the unsung heroes of our economy, and they deserve easily available parking, secure rest areas, and modern welfare facilities so that they can work and drive with confidence.

“That’s why the Department and industry are investing up to £43.5 million to upgrade truckstops all over the country, on top of £26 million from National Highways and industry, and we will work closely with Transport Focus and the sector to continue improving working conditions for lorry drivers, supporting jobs, and getting us back to growth.”