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The FTA claims the government has failed to grasp the need for more truckstops in the UK, following the publication last week of a Department for Transport policy report. Malcolm Bingham, FTA head of road network management policy, says the Policy on service areas and other roadside facilities on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England document does little to address the current substantial shortage of lorry parking facilities.

He adds: "The transport industry requires a network  of truckstop facilities to provide adequate rest and refreshment for drivers needing to take their statutory breaks, together with overnight security for the driver and load. "The whole UK economy is delivered by the transport industry and lorry drivers, and yet they are expected to scuttle about seeking locations, sometimes inappropriate, to take breaks and overnight stops.

"Sadly the new policy document fails to grasp the problem." Dai Owen, owner of north Wales haulier JD Owen Transport, which has submitted a planning application to build a new truckstop near J31 on the A55, adds: "Road transport is the backbone of the economy as everything has to be moved by truck. Yet at the moment, truck drivers are treated as second-class citizens."

Sandra Counter, operations manager at J38 services on the M6, says it is important drivers benefit from a proper break in a relaxing environment. She adds: "The transport network is so important to our economy and these people are  driving hundreds of miles a day. For the safety of themselves and others, they need to be alert." The FTA does, however, welcome parts of the policy document that provide advice to the industry on minimum parking space requirements for LGVs, as well as setting out requirements for abnormal loads and signage on motorways. The DfT document is available here.