Heavy Goods Vehicles (Hansard, 16 February 1987)

HC Deb 16 February 1987 vol 110 cc410-1W 410W

§ Mr. Madden
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with those who franchise motorway service facilities with a view to improving facilities for those driving heavy goods vehicles.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
In August last year, we wrote to operators asking for certain improvements in standards when new motorway service areas (MSAs) were being developed and existing ones improved. In the case of new MSAs, we now require provision of showers and shaver points, and ask tenderers to consider provision of separate eating facilities for drivers of heavy goods vehicles. Operators have scope within the terms of their leases for improving existing facilities for drivers. We have agreed that overnight accommodation can be built on sites where there is sufficient room for expansion to cope with the increased traffic.
411W

§ Mr. Madden
asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what consultation he has had with interested parties about the provision of trunk road facilities for those driving heavy goods vehicles; if he is satisfied with present provisions for re-fuelling, parking, rest and refreshment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received about trunk road facilities for those driving heavy goods vehicles; and what suggestions have been made for the improvement of such facilities.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
Representations have been received in a report by the Association of County Councils published in December last year ("The Travel Needs of Road Users: The way to get things going"). This suggests, amongst other things, that there should be transit stopping facilities for heavy goods vehicles at intervals of roughly 30 minutes driving time.
The provision of services for trunk road users is primarily a matter for private initiative within the framework of planning policies. We will consider in the light of the report whether there is a need for further action by the Department or local authorities to secure provision of facilities.
There have been no recent formal consultations. I have discussed the issues with Jack Ashwell of the Transport and General Workers Union.