Investment in rest stop security key to driver welfare, says new lorry driver survey

10 December 2025

Transport Focus has published the latest results from the second year of its Lorry Drivers’ Facilities Survey, highlighting the critical role that investment in rest stop facilities plays in keeping drivers safe and well rested. 

Nearly all of Great Britain’s freight journeys use the strategic road network to keep goods moving. The UK logistics industry contributes around £170 billion to the national economy, employs more than eight per cent of the workforce, and plays a crucial role in supporting the Government’s growth objectives. With freight crime estimated to cost around £700 million annually, ensuring drivers have consistent access to secure, high-quality facilities is essential for protecting this vital sector and sustaining economic growth.  

The survey, which has gathered insights from over 13,000 HGV drivers over the past two years highlights the strong connection between drivers’ ability to rest and how safe they feel. Nine in ten drivers who rated vehicle security as good also reported being able to rest properly. By contrast, fewer than four in ten felt they could rest when they perceived security to be poor. Vehicle security satisfaction scores vary widely between sites on the network, from 25 per cent to 99 per cent. 

This year’s results come at a time when the industry is aging and faces significant staffing challenges: 

• An increasing number of drivers in their 30’s and 40’s are leaving the industry, with one in six HGV drivers choosing not to renew their Driver Qualification cards (DCQ) 

• The Road Haulage Association (RHA) suggests that the industry will need an average of 60,000 new drivers a year for the next five years to meet demand 

• 24 per cent of HGV businesses reported driver vacancies in late 2024, with many drivers leaving the industry or retiring 

Recent investment from Department for Transport (DfT) and National Highways has brought renewed interest in improving lorry drivers’ facilities, prioritising security alongside parking capacity and driver welfare. However, there is still more to do. In year two, our survey found that just under two thirds of drivers were dissatisfied with the number and quality of available sites in the UK, a slight increase in dissatisfaction compared with last year.   

As part of our ongoing work to bring together the industry, we will continue to work with partners to monitor progress, share best practice and help operators and decision makers focus efforts in the right areas.  

Louise Collins, Director at Transport Focus said:

“Lorry drivers play a vital role delivering goods we all rely on right across the country. They need access to high quality facilities to rest – for their own wellbeing but also because of the safety critical nature of that role.

“These findings clearly show the link between feeling safe and secure and being able to rest properly. It’s great to see the recent investment that has taken place in improving security at services and we recognise these things can take time to make an impact. It is important that the industry maintains focus and continues working together to introduce improvements which will help change driver perceptions.”

Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journeys at National Highways said:

“The logistics sector is vital to our economy and rely on our motorways and A roads. We are committed to making changes to improve the experience of lorry drivers and boost business. “Drivers need a safe place to stop to rest on their journeys. That’s why, along with industry, we have invested more than £25 million – creating more HGV parking spaces, boosting security, and upgrading lorry park facilities. These are improvements designed to give drivers the safe, comfortable places they need to rest and recharge.”

Rob Exelby, Managing Director at Exelby Services, said:

“Matched funding from the Department for Transport has helped us accelerate improvements at Coneygarth, adding additional parking and upgraded security measures that drivers need. Collaboration between government and industry makes a real difference, complementing the investments many operators are already making to raise standards.”

Rachel Taylor MP, and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freight and Logistics said:

‘20 per cent of my constituents work in freight, and these survey results from Transport Focus lay bare what they frequently tell me: that there is an urgent need to tackle crime and insecurity at rest stops. That’s why I am campaigning for a national freight crime strategy, a new dedicated crime code, and greater investment in policing, so we can ensure every freight driver is able to sleep easy during overnight stops.’