Union calls for better loos for lorry drivers

Unite is calling for a statutory, legally-binding code of practice so that lorry drivers have adequate parking and eating facilities, and decent showers and toilets when they are travelling across the UK for up to five-days-at-a-time.

Unite was commenting on transport minister John Hayes’ written statement to MPs on road freight, which, the union said, was ‘too much talk and not enough action’.

Unite national officer for road transport Adrian Jones said: “The road haulage industry contributes billions of pounds a year to the British economy, but the drivers who contribute to this wealth often have to park up in isolated lay-bys and unappealing industrial estates for the night.

“The ideal would be ‘specialist lorry parks’ for lorry drivers – safe, secure and clean with the modern facilities you would expect from the world’s sixth largest economy.

“At present, the picture is very mixed. Some privately-owned lorry parks are very good and others leave a lot to be desired."

Adrian Jones added: “We have heard a lot of warm words on this issue from government, but it needs to move faster to put statutory flesh on the bones of good intentions – and Unite will be campaigning strongly on this issue in 2017.”

Meanwhile, dock workers working for Peel Ports, one of the UK’s largest port operators, are protesting today over the lack of decent welfare facilities for workers and drivers visiting the port of Liverpool’s Seaforth container terminal. 

Members of Unite are angry over the poor conditions at the port such as the basic right to have access to clean toilets, rest areas and canteen facilities. 

Concerns have been raised that toilet facilities are 'appalling' given that there are up to 350 workers working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year needing to use them. 

There are also no toilets or canteen facilities available for visiting lorry drivers. The nearest safe and legal parking area with public conveniences is Burton Wood services in Warrington – 20 miles away. 

The British Toilet Association (BTA) and BTA member Gillian Kemp (https://twitter.com/atoileteer) have long been campaigning for regulatory toilet & handwashing access for lorry drivers. To find out more visit: http://www.btaloos.co.uk