Joint industry and Government funding of £16 million has been invested to improve roadside facilities.

38 truckstops will deliver better rest areas, improved welfare facilities and more secure parking.

The department for Transport has invested £6 million with the additional £10.5 million coming from industry funding.

Upgrades from this funding include new showers and restaurants, improved lighting, secure fencing around rest areas and 430 new parking spaces for HGVs.

The Government believes these measures will help attract more people to the haulage sector, boost working conditions and grow the economy to deliver a brighter future.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “Our lorry drivers are the backbone of a successful economy, ensuring food, goods and crucial medical supplies can get where they need to be, all over the country.”

“That’s why it’s only right we leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting our lorry drivers as part of our plan to grow the economy, and today’s £16.5 million in joint government and industry funding will provide them with the safe, spacious and modern facilities they deserve.”

CILT member Declan Pang, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “We are delighted to see the government’s match funded grant scheme being awarded to projects which will make a tangible difference to the experiences of lorry drivers and provide much needed additional parking capacity to address the well-known shortage of spaces.

“We are pleased to see facilities operators contribute funding and commit to improving security and conditions at the sites they operate. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the funding will have across the range of projects.”

Decarbonisation is also in sight with plans for facilities to be fitted with solar panels  and new electric charging points for vehicles.