A Staffordshire truck parking site has been praised for the installation of top-class driver welfare facilities.
ADS Truck Parking, in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, has added an extended café area, training room, shop and social area site as well as a brand-new shower and toilet facilities.
Security has also been further enhanced with fencing and all-round CCTV cameras.
Work has been completed following a £222,500 grant received in 2023, as part of the Department for Transport’s HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme.
A celebration open day was held to mark the launch, which saw many UK and International haulage companies in attendance along with MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton and officials from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Following a welcome and presentation by owner Andrew Sargent in the brand-new care area, guests were given a tour of the facilities on the day.
Andrew said: “It has been great to be able to show all of the work which we have been able to do following the Government grant.
“We thrive off providing the best possible facilities we can for drivers whose welfare we take very seriously.
“I have myself experienced life on the road during my career and totally understand how much comfortable facilities are important for drivers and that’s what we endeavour to provide now and continue to do so in going forward.”
MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton said: “I was very pleased to visit ADS Truck Parking in Longton to see completed works as part of the £222,500 government grant towards improvements which are a significant improvement, helping ensure the safety and security of truck drivers.
“The new facilities which have undergone a major transformation have greatly boosted ADS Truck Parking as being a key stop-off location for hauliers travelling through our area.
“These new upgrades of CCTV cameras, security fencing, toilet and shower facility upgrades, alongside cafe and social area improvements. I know this will make a massive difference for truck drivers, supporting our local haulage industries and further strengthening Stoke-on-Trent’s economy.”
Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “We’re investing over £31 million with industry to improve truck stops up and down the country, and the ADS Truck Parking is a brilliant example of how our funding is already delivering real improvements on the ground for lorry drivers.”
