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Logistics UK slams Kent truck parking ban

[ June 15, 2021   //   ]

Logistics UK has written to DfT Under Secretary of State  Rachel Maclean strongly objecting to Kent County Council’s ban on lorry parking in laybys for more than 45 minutes in several areas of the county, saying that it contravenes the rights of logistics workers.

Policy manager for the south, Heidi Skinner said: “Lorry drivers were deemed ‘essential’ workers during the pandemic, but it seems that this has been forgotten in this latest directive. Logistics UK is urging the DfT to consider the welfare of these drivers – who work tirelessly to transport the goods and services the nation needs – and withdraw support for KCC’s order banning HGV parking in laybys across several of Kent’s boroughs and districts. Lorry drivers need access to parking spaces to rest – for both their welfare and to meet legally mandated rest periods from driving – but with a shortage of between 1,000 and 1,200 HGV parking spaces in Kent, it is unacceptable to prohibit the use of laybys for drivers without providing facilities elsewhere.

“The ban was a temporary measure principally to ensure that HGVs were not parking in laybys while awaiting the correct paperwork to enter the EU. Now, following the removal of the Kent Access Permit (KAP) – which was successful in deterring hauliers entering Kent without the correct paperwork – there is no reason to keep the ban in place. It is unacceptable for KCC and DfT to continue this traffic order.”

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