Transforming UK Truck Stops: A £43 Million Investment in Driver Welfare
Transport Focus figures date from June 2025.
The UK government, in collaboration with industry partners, has announced a significant £43 million investment to upgrade truck stops across the country. This initiative aims to enhance the working conditions for lorry drivers by providing more parking spaces, secure rest areas, and improved amenities such as modern showers and restaurants.
During National Lorry Week, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood visited the ADS Truckstop in Stoke to witness the improvements firsthand. The upgrades at this facility include new parking bays, a café, security fencing, and modernised toilets and showers.
This investment is part of a broader effort to support the haulage industry, which is vital to the UK’s economy. By improving rest facilities, the initiative seeks to attract more individuals to the profession, address driver shortages, and ensure the safety and well-being of those who keep our supply chains moving.
The collaboration between the Department for Transport and industry stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to recognising and addressing the challenges faced by lorry drivers. Enhancing these facilities is not just about comfort; it’s about safety, efficiency, and respect for the profession
For an article from 7 November 2024 on the investment and its impact, read the full article here: go
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood said:
Lorry drivers keep our economy moving. It is only right they enjoy safe rest areas, easily available parking, and modern facilities as we showcase their importance during National Lorry Week.
Our joint funding with industry will ensure that lorry parking facilities like ADS Truckstop can make the improvements that lorry drivers deserve, and we will continue working closely with the sector to improve working conditions, support jobs, and get us back to growth.
The funding comes from the DfT’s HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which is helping to drive improvement to lorry parking capacity, driver welfare facilities such as new restaurants, toilets and showers, security for drivers through better fencing and CCTV.
Scheme status
The HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme is currently closed to new applications.