The UK’s logistics industry has been grappling with a driver shortage for some time. A combination of factors, including Brexit, an ageing workforce and challenging working conditions, has left the sector understaffed and under pressure. Within the industry, many of us are working to address these challenges. For us at Easy as HGV, it’s about making sure our HGV training is accessible and affordable. But there are so many more aspects that need change, of which working conditions are one. The most recent round of rest stop funding has totalled £12.5 million. We take a look at what is needed and how it will help.

Driver shortage in the UK

The lorry driver shortage in the UK isn’t news. This year’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) report made clear that 40,000 new drivers would be needed every year for the next 5 years. Read our insights into the report here. 

The report clearly identified working conditions as a contributor to drivers leaving the industry. Professional HGV drivers enjoy many benefits including high starting salaries, career progression, and varied days. However, some roles require long hours on the road and drivers often experience a lack of high quality facilities at rest stops. This can lead to job dissatisfaction. While government initiatives have tackled attracting new drivers into the industry, it is just as important to look at retention.  

How important are working conditions? 

Working conditions make the difference in any sector. From office staff to the shop floor, a worker’s surroundings can directly affect their outlook and performance. Professional HGV driving is no different.

The RHA surveyed drivers who have left the industry, and reported that 60% of former drivers say better roadside facilities would improve retention. UK lorry stops have often faced criticism for substandard amenities, like insufficient parking spaces, shabby restrooms, and security concerns. While rest stops cover just one proportion of the working day, rest time is of high value, as the quality of a driver’s rest impacts the rest of their day. 

The real impact of poor rest facilities

So, when compared to the inside of the driver’s cab or loading and unloading access, how do rest facilities measure up? It’s a truth that the quality of rest stops underpins overall driver job satisfaction. Well maintained and thoughtfully designed truck stops with sufficient parking can provide not just physical relief but a sense of safety and respect for drivers. 

Conversely, poor facilities can actually discourage drivers from staying in the job. Drivers report difficulties finding adequate parking, complaints of substandard washrooms, and poor security. Certain routes can even trigger anxiety on account of rest stop reputation. 

Government investment

Last year, the UK government awarded £4.5 million of grants as part of the third round of funding to improve truck stops and working conditions. In addition to £8 million from industry, there was a total of £12.5 million invested on top of £31 million in the previous 2 application windows. Works are required to be completed by the end of March 2025 so drivers should soon be seeing the benefit.  So, what should existing and new drivers expect to experience?

What the grant covers

The grants aim to upgrade critical facilities across UK truck stops, with an emphasis on creating comfortable, secure spaces where drivers can rest effectively. Some planned improvements include:

  • Increased and safer parking provisions.
  • Refurbished toilet and shower facilities with higher cleanliness standards.
  • Better food and refreshment options available onsite.
  • Enhanced security systems, such as CCTV and secure fencing, for safer overnight stays.

These improvements are fantastic, and absolutely welcomed. But clearly not every lorry rest stop has received funding, and as an industry we need to keep the dialogue about working conditions for drivers open and current. We want our new licence holders to enjoy a career where their working conditions support their wellbeing at all times. 

Retention and recruitment

The conversation about rest stop conditions is one part of a wider issue surrounding the balance between retaining existing drivers and recruiting new talent in the sector. With a large proportion of current drivers approaching retirement age over the next 5 years, there has never been a more important time to find ways to support this balance. Rest stops impact multiple aspects of this. 

Workforce retention

It’s as important to look after the wellbeing of the current workforce as it is to attract fresh talent into the field.

  • Boosting morale – Providing clean, safe, and comfortable facilities demonstrates respect for drivers, which inevitably boosts job satisfaction.
  • Reducing fatigue – With better parking and overnight facilities, drivers can focus on resting properly, allowing them to operate more safely and effectively on the road.
  • Fostering loyalty – When drivers feel their wellbeing is being valued, they’re less likely to leave the sector, reducing high turnover rates.

Fresh demographics

The logistics industry has historically been male dominated, and young drivers can be discouraged by reports of poor rest conditions. However, improving working conditions could change the narrative:

  • Attracting women – Enhanced safety features like CCTV will help address concerns about security, creating a more welcoming landscape for female drivers.
  • Drawing younger drivers – Clean and modern rest stops align with young people’s expectations for workplace amenities, sending a positive message to prospective recruits entering the field.

Additionally, promoting an image of an efficient, tech-enabled industry may help cater to a generation that values innovation in all areas of life, including on the road.

Overall change

There’s no doubt that improving rest stops and working conditions for lorry drivers is a necessary step to strengthen the UK’s logistics sector. While this latest £12.5 million in grants is a welcome development, it’s equally clear that long term solutions need to be rolled out nationwide. 

To create lasting change, the investment must represent just the beginning. Continued funding, combined with collaboration between public and private sectors, is vital. Scaling sustainable, driver-focused rest solutions nationwide can help take meaningful strides toward solving retention and recruitment issues.

At Easy as HGV, we pride ourselves in providing the highest quality accessible HGV training across the country. We go the extra mile to support our trainees through the whole process, right into recruitment. To talk to our expert team, just get in touch.