Shortage of truckstops in Oxfordshire
June 12th, 2024
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has highlighted a “real shortage” of facilities along the A34 and M40 for lorry drivers to safely stop.
This is a nationwide problem that has been poorly addressed over the last few years. There are a few schemes that the government is implementing, amounting to an investment of £16 million; however, this does not seem to be solving any of the problems.
The lack of official places to stop is causing significant issues for the residents of Oxfordshire as HGV drivers are having to find alternative places. This means that lay-bys and industrial estates are full, and the area is being targeted by criminals trying to steal drivers’ loads.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport said, “We remain committed to improving facilities for hauliers, which is why, alongside industry, we’re supporting the sector by investing £31 million to date to upgrade roadside infrastructure and rest areas in England.”