Facility providers urged to apply for truck parking upgrade scheme

The application process for a multi‑million‑pound scheme to help upgrade lorry parking facilities has been extended, and National Highways is urging site operators to come forward for support.

The Lorry Park Improvement Scheme, originally launched in 2023, has been providing additional funding to expand capacity, strengthen security and enhance welfare provision at truck parking facilities, such as toilets, showers and gyms.

Grants will cover up to 50 per cent of capital costs, and businesses can apply via the National Highways website. All lorry parking operators are eligible, including those that have previously received funding.

Since the scheme began, National Highways has contributed more than £15 million through its Designated Funds Programme, matched by industry investment.

Combined with support from the Department for Transport, nearly £69 million has been made available to improve journeys, security and driver wellbeing. The programme has already delivered more than 500 new parking spaces and upgrades including CCTV, fencing and refurbished washrooms at around 130 sites.

Elliot Shaw, chief customer and strategy officer at National Highways, said: “HGV drivers are a vital cog in our country’s economy, getting the goods and services we need around the country, often working round-the-clock to meet tight delivery times.

“By improving features like security and opening up more parking spaces, we’re helping to ensure drivers feel well rested and safe on our roads. We’ve already seen the benefits this fund can provide, and we’re delighted to be able to extend applications to help fund upgrading more facilities.”

Industry groups also welcomed the extension.

Ben Fletcher, chief executive for Logistics UK, said: “Logistics drivers are at the heart of the economy and deserve access to the same standard of rest and hygiene facilities as those working in offices, factories, schools and hospitals.

“With many drivers still forced to take their legally mandated rest in unsafe locations, without access to running water or a cooked meal, it is imperative that improvements are delivered at pace.

“The opening of applications for the National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvement Scheme is a welcome step, and we would encourage site operators to come forward to help deliver the safe, secure and high-quality facilities our drivers need to support the economy.“

Ashton Cull, senior public affairs lead for the Road Haulage Association, said: “HGV drivers are legally obliged to take regular breaks from driving to ensure they are operating their vehicles safely. This means that we must provide them places to stop to take those breaks and make HGV parking an essential part of our national transport infrastructure.

“But the fact is there is simply not enough secure HGV parking to keep our drivers both rested and safe from criminal activity: we estimate this country needs 11,000 additional spaces to accommodate the vehicles our economy relies on.

“We welcome the continuation of the National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvement Scheme and would urge parking operators of all sizes all over the country to apply for funding. We need to see more proposals to improve security and increase capacity of parking sites brought forward, funded and built out. It is the least our hardworking HGV drivers deserve.”