Lorry parking should be considered in many industrial site planning applications according to guidelines published by the government.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced last week that planning policies and decisions should recognise the importance of providing adequate overnight lorry parking facilities, taking into account any local shortages.

The provision features in an updated National Planning Policy Framework for planning applications after sustained lobbying from the Road Haulage Association.

“It’s a victory for common sense,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett, “We’re pleased that the government has listened and recommended that lorry parking should be considered in distribution centre planning applications.

“Thousands of truckers are still left to park in unsecure areas every night without basic amenities because there’s nowhere else for them to go.

“We want to see local authorities working to this framework and doing all they can to provide the facilities truckers deserve.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran