Government Transport Minister Karl McCartney visits Junction 29

On Thursday 11th August Junction 29 received a visit from Government Minister Karl McCartney and his team representing the Department for Transport. 

Keen to learn more about the services and facilities available to HGV drivers in the UK, Minister McCartney took time out of his busy schedule to visit our site. 

Onroute Truckstops General Manager David Hatherell said; "I was delighted to welcome the Minister to Junction 29 and show him around our facilities to demonstrate the improvements we have made to the site including the recently completed £1m project to resurface our forecourt and parking bays.

"The Minister met with members of our hard-working team and seemed particularly impressed by the level of care and attention taken over the welfare and security of drivers visiting our truckstop."

Government plans to boost driver welfare

Significant funding is being made available to increase parking and improve facilities for HGV drivers as part of the Government’s current plans to boost driver welfare and help tackle the effects of driver shortages in the UK.

The Minister said; "Driver welfare is key to making vital careers in logistics an attractive choice, which is why we are investing £52.5m to improve lorry parking facilities like this to provide HGV drivers with a safe location to rest.

“The Government’s action on the 33 measures taken to support our freight sector is working and the sector is now reporting driver numbers are stabilising. We will continue working to support the industry to recover further."  

David agreed that the additional funding will be key to improving facilities for HGV drivers and mentioned that Onroute Truckstops will be using this to help pay to upgrade shower and toilet facilities at Junction 29. 

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