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Lorries parked at a rest area at dusk.

Industry insight

Better rest stops, safer roads

Why improving HGV rest areas matters for everyone

HGV drivers keep the country moving, day and night. The rules say they must take regular breaks – but a break only does its job if there’s somewhere decent to take it.

For years, drivers have struggled with too few parking spaces, poor security and basic facilities. Now that’s finally starting to change.

The funding

In September 2023, the Department for Transport announced £8 million to improve HGV rest areas in England, through its HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme. A separate joint investment of £16.5 million (£6 million from the DfT and £10.5 million from industry) was announced in March 2024 to improve 38 truck stops. It added new showers, restaurants, lighting, security fencing, and about 430 new HGV parking spaces – the basics that make a proper break possible. Overall, National Highways and the DfT’s combined initiatives have helped unlock nearly £69 million in total investments for driver welfare and security improvements across England.

A woman in a hi-vis jacket standing beside a lorry.

Why is rest so important?

Tiredness is one of the biggest risks on the road. DVLA guidance says sleep-related crashes may account for up to a fifth of accidents on major roads, and they tend to be serious, because a driver who nods off can’t brake or steer.

HGV drivers already have strict rules on breaks and driving hours. (We cover these in more detail in our article on tired driving.) But following the rules is much easier when there’s a safe, comfortable place to stop. Too often, drivers are forced to keep going, or to pull up somewhere unsuitable, because the facilities aren’t there.

Better facilities, better rest

Upgraded rest areas help in several ways:

  • Better breaks. Somewhere clean, safe and comfortable means drivers actually rest, rather than just stopping.

  • Fewer fatigue-related incidents. Rested drivers are safer drivers.

  • Better wellbeing. Decent food, washing facilities and security make a long shift far more bearable – and support drivers’ mental health too.

  • More drivers. Better conditions help attract new people to the industry and keep experienced drivers in it, helping to tackle the driver shortage.

A welcome step

The haulage industry has broadly welcomed the investment and encouraged operators to make the most of the match-funding available. It’s not the whole answer, but it’s a clear step in the right direction for driver welfare and road safety.

And if something does go wrong

Even the best-rested driver can’t control everything on the road. When an HGV breaks down or is involved in an incident, we’ll get the right help there fast – with over 400 specialist vehicles, more than 60 years of experience and PAS 43, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001 accreditations.

Need HGV recovery? Get in touch with our team.

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