Although pleased that Ashford International Truck Stop is to increase its capacity from 390 to 650 spaces, the Road Haulage Association is concerned that there’s still not enough being done to solve the lorry parking crisis.

Ashford Borough Council has approved plans for the development at Waterbrook Park which is expected to open in late 2019/early 2020.

“Of course this is a welcome move in the right direction,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett. “But for those drivers being penalised for parking wherever they can the opening of the new park is an extremely long way off.”

Local authorities and government agencies must do more to ensure enough secure HGV parking facilities across the country. And with the prospect of customs processes likely to take longer at our ports from next March the need for more safe and secure parking in Kent has never been greater.

Concluding, Richard Burnett said: “Of course we welcome an increase in parking facilities for HGV drivers – Ashford has limited capacity and turns truckers away most nights leaving them no choice but to take their chances on the roadside where they’re vulnerable to criminals and have no access to facilities.

“If we’re to avoid the chaos of 2015 becoming a way of life for HGV drivers the people and businesses in Kent need additional – if even temporary – parking right now.”

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran