Last week, the Secretary of State for Transport wrote a letter to motorway service areas asking them to remain open and ensure that hauliers are able to access roadside facilities – including showers.

CILT has been asked to encourage any of its members, and in particular drivers, to let us know if this is not happening.

In his correspondence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps thanked those who are continuing to provide essential provisions to support the freight and logistics sectors. He also addressed motorway service areas encouraging them to remain open to ensure that our hauliers can sustain the movement of people, food, medicine and other essential goods.

He said: “In this unprecedented time, the Government regards motorway services as an essential service … Working together we must ensure that the fullest range of facilities remain open to HGV drivers, and we appreciate [service areas’] continued effort to ensure this.”

Elsewhere, the Secretary of State for Transport commented on; showers remaining open, the measures are taken to ensure social distancing is practiced and that hospitality/branded caterers are encouraged to support service areas in helping you to provide a take away service, whilst observing public health guidelines.

Motorway Service Areas are reminded of the wider support that the government is offering. A range of interventions have been announced, targeted at different sizes and types of businesses. More details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses