PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Coronavirus (24 April 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is a national network of truckstops open to lorry drivers while covid-19 lockdown measures are in place that are able to provide hot food, shower and toilet facilities.

Asked by:
David Mundell (Conservative)

Truck stops and garages can provide some facilities subject to general cross-sector rules, including about social distancing. The Department has asked for, receives and acts on intelligence received from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and others. Concerns have focused on several areas. Ministers and officials have contacted representative organisations for petrol retailers and distribution centres about access arrangements.

We have been actively working with Motorway Service Areas to ensure facilities continue to be available to drivers.

We have also been working with large Regional Distribution Centres, who have implemented hygiene procedures and social distancing in line with the RHA and government guidelines.

Where access to toilet or handwashing facilities is denied, and proper social distancing measures are not in place, this can be reported via e-mail to [email protected]

Answered by:
Rachel Maclean (Conservative)
4 May 2020