How Modular Cabins Can Support The Road Haulage Industry
The road haulage industry has been campaigning for better truck stop facilities for the past few years, and the cause is set to receive a boost following the announcement of £14m in joint government and industry funding to improve working conditions in freight. This will include better rest areas for drivers, among other measures such as enhanced security.
As more sectors are seeking modular cabins for sale to provide a fast and affordable solution to poor quality or overstretched facilities, here’s a look at how they can be used to upgrade the UK’s substandard truck stop facilities.
Rapid installation process
The dire state of Britain’s truck stop infrastructure means that urgent intervention is needed to protect the health and safety of HGV drivers. The current provision has failed to keep pace with the increase in road freight traffic, and drivers complain that there are too few truck stops, and many existing sites are inadequate.
Often, there are not enough basic welfare buildings where the drivers can use the toilet, shower, rest, or buy good quality and affordable food. Those facilities that do exist are often unclean and unhygienic, overcrowded, and only offer food and drink options that are overpriced and unhealthy.
Modular cabins are already being used to address this problem, as they can be rapidly deployed and installed on any flat stable surface. The portable buildings can be used as welfare facilities, canteens, breakout rooms, shops, and security kiosks. They can be used to extend existing amenities with minimal disruption to the daily operations of the site.
A cost effective solution
The historic underinvestment in the welfare of road haulage drivers means that upgrading the existing facilities will require substantial new investment. Constructing and maintaining bricks and mortar facilities is time consuming and costly. Modular buildings provide a more affordable alternative, and can be used on a temporary or permanent basis.
Contributing to safer and more efficient transport systems
Investing in enhancements to truck stop infrastructure is not only raising the quality of life and job satisfaction for HGV drivers; it is also raising the standards of road safety and the efficiency of the transport system. There are laws in place that require drivers to take a certain number of breaks per shift, yet often they cannot find anywhere suitable to stop.
Even when there is a truck stop, the aforementioned issues mean that the drivers can feel unsafe and not find anywhere to wash, rest, or eat that is acceptably clean, warm and comfortable. Drivers who are fatigued and cannot access proper rest and refreshment are more likely to have accidents, and to make mistakes and miss delivery schedules.
This impacts on the wider transport system, and ultimately on the economy of the country. Therefore an investment in better facilities is also an investment in the nation’s future prosperity.
Upgrades for 23 truck parks in the pipeline
The current government has listened to the concerns of the haulage industry, and announced that over £12m of funding will be allocated to 23 truck parks across the country to make them safer and to improve dining, changing and rest facilities.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Freight is a crucial engine of our economy and it is only right we do all we can to improve working conditions, pioneer innovation and drive sustainability across the industry.”
“Our funding, combined with investment from the industry, will ensure lorry drivers can enjoy safer parking, a proper rest and a warm meal, while supporting UK businesses to harvest the best of technology to move freight faster, decarbonise our supply chain, and grow the economy for all.”
Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Road Haulage Association, Declan Pang, said: “We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England.”
“The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving. We look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in improving conditions and driver welfare.”
A further £2m will be invested towards encouraging innovation and the decarbonisation of freight.
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