Providing adequate lorry parks would contribute to improving road safety and reducing crime and would significantly improve working conditions for HGV drivers. It would also avoid disruption in locations not designed to accommodate lorry parking. Rest and welfare facilities are a key part of national and international road freight infrastructure, and provision of these to an appropriate standard is fundamental to ensuring safe, efficient and effective supply chains. Improvements to facilities would therefore also help support the Scottish economy and its growth.

The second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) ‘Recommendation 36’ includes proposals for a detailed national audit and review of support for lorry parks. This would include consultation with the freight industry, representative bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to collect views on the provision of lorry parks including where and what type of facilities are required.

I am meeting with the Road Haulage Association in February to discuss recommendation 36 and how Transport Scotland can support key stakeholders in the HGV industry.