The UK government has announced a significant investment to improve rest areas for lorry drivers and drive innovation in the freight sector.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood revealed that 23 successful applicants will receive up to £4.5 million in government funding to enhance truckstops and working conditions for HGV drivers.

The investment, which totals £12.5 million when combined with £8 million from industry, will create 430 new lorry parking spaces across England.

This expansion aims to reduce congestion in town centres and roadside parking.

Notable beneficiaries include Immingham Lorry Park in Lincolnshire and Embassy Truck Park in Kent.

Improvements will encompass enhanced dining facilities, changing rooms, and rest areas.

Security will also be bolstered through the installation of new CCTV systems and secure fencing, addressing welfare and safety concerns for drivers.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Freight is a crucial engine of our economy and it is only right we do all we can to improve working conditions, pioneer innovation and drive sustainability across the industry. 

“Our funding, combined with investment from the industry, will ensure lorry drivers can enjoy safer parking, a proper rest and a warm meal, while supporting UK businesses to harvest the best of technology to move freight faster, decarbonise our supply chain, and grow the economy for all.”

Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Road Haulage Association, Declan Pang, added: “We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England.

“The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving.”

In addition to the truckstop improvements, the government has allocated £1.8 million to support innovative freight decarbonisation projects.

Ten small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will receive funding to trial groundbreaking technologies.

These include TUAL's collaboration with Wincanton to test high-performance powerbanks for electric lorries, and Innervated Vehicle Engineering's partnership with Asda to retrofit hydrogen power in small delivery vans.

This funding represents the third phase of the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme.

When combined with previous initiatives, including the National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme, the total joint investment from the government and industry reaches £64 million.

The announcement precedes the International Investment Summit, where UK leaders will meet with global investors and businesses to discuss investment and growth.