News

A farmer with land either side of the A14, near the Catthorpe junction with the M1 and M6, has outlined plans to build a truckstop. Richard Jackson hopes to build a 100-space Continental-style secure truckstop on either side of the A14. While he has yet to submit plans to Daventry District Council, Jackson says he is trying to gauge support in the area. "Back in the 1990s our farmland was cut through by the A14. We've been watching the road  over the years and seen the need for places for trucks to park.

"Our land is about a mile and a half from the Catthorpe junction and we are in a position to diversify our business, which is cattle farming." Jackson says he hopes to use an existing lay-by on either carriageway as a slip road into the truckstop, which would also be open to the public. "We believe there's a need for secure facilities along the A14 and would look to provide other facilities, such as a restaurant and showers." Jackson is due to present his ideas to the Northampton Freight Forum today (Thursday 12 June). Initial contact with Daventry District Council had not been positive, Jackson adds.

The Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association have both expressed their support for the plans. Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the FTA, says local authorities and residents  across the country seem to be suspicious of truck parks, but he adds there is a great need for secure lorry parking on the A14, particularly since the closure of Alconbury.

RHA director of policy Jack Semple agrees that the need for a secure place to park trucks along the A14 is immense. "In principle we would support anybody who wants to provide secure lorry parking facilities where they're needed." Daventry District Council was unavailable to comment.