Since November 1st, 2017, HGV drivers in the UK who take their regular weekly rest breaks in cabs must now take them in proper rest areas (like service areas and truck stops)… But, we all know how hard it is to find a suitable and decent truck stop in the UK, and with the hefty fines handed out by the DVSA for parking in lay-bys, there’s less places available than ever.
So, where can HGV drivers go for a break in the UK?
We’ve listed a few of the ‘best’ truck stops across the country and will also give you some more info on how to find other truck stops that are on your route. We know that our list may not suit everyone but we’ve gone for an all-rounded approach to cover all bases. These 4 truck stops provide excellent amenities to send you on your way feeling refreshed (and fine free).
• Coneygarth services – near Northallerton, by Junction 51 of the A1M.
According to the ‘Transport Cafe’ “It’s a good truckstop which despite using portable buildings, has plenty of capacity to seat diners and there’s a decent hard standing, and secure parking area for up to 85 trucks”.
Coneygarth also has a good selection of reasonably priced food choices, including breakfast, main meals, sandwiches and light bites.
There is a secure gated parking area with barriers. Adjacent to the site is a fuel station which also has a shop for snacks if the café is closed or if you are not stopping for any length of time. This also has a Macemini-mart, a Costa Expressand a Subway.
First two hours of parking is free for all vehicles, after which HGVs must pay £17, or £19 to include a £5 food voucher. There are also showers available and a truckwash.
• Chippenham Pit Stop – Wiltshire, just off Junction 17 of the M4 Motorway.
Chippenham was named Truckstop of the year in 2017 by Truckstop News and is ideal for those heading to or from the South of Wales.
This truck stop is along side a filling station and offers a lorry park with 85 spaces. It also has a restaurant serving hot meals, as well as a bar, gym, shop, showers and toilets.
The first hour of parking is free and over night parking costs £21.50, which includes a £6 food voucher.
• Tuckers Rest Cafe – Just off the A5 near Cannock.
Some of our drivers have dubbed the Truckers Rest Cafe as the ‘best old fashioned truck stop’. The staff are all extremely friendly and the home-made food is consistently great.
The Truckers rest has well maintained rest areas, toilets and showers. As well as secure parking and truck washing facilities.
Over night parking costs £20.
• Red Lion Truck Stop – 200 yards from the M1 at junction 16.
An easy to access Truckstop for anyone travelling across the country. The Red Lion truck stop features a multi cuisine restaurant and bar, a convenience store, laundry facility, clean toilets and showers and even a fuel station.
Just take a look at the Google reviews to see that drivers often say this Truckstop has the best atmosphere and most menu options to choose from.
The Red Lion offers 150 HGV parking spaces, has parking attendants and 24 hour CCTV to ensure the safety of your truck. The shop stocks all the essentials you’ll need for on the road and the pub even shows the live football. Can we ask for much more?
Overnight parking costs £21, which includes a £6 voucher and a shower.
By no means are these four truck stops your only options though, as they may be way off your route. So, if you’re looking for something a little closer, we’d suggest a simple Google Map search of ‘Truck Stops UK’ which bring up many more truck stops to choose from.
You will also be able to see the ratings and read the reviews of some other drivers (what’s better than a recommendation?), to help you make your choice.
Another option is the app ‘intruck‘ which allows you to see parking availability and pre-book in advance.
UKHaulier also have a ‘Truckstop finder’ on their website but you do have to register to access it. We do think it is very handy though, as it gives you a map of stops, cafes and places to shower. It also offers great route planning services, transport law information and fuel prices.
Finding a Truckstop for a well-deserved rest as a HGV driver isn’t easy but there are certainly UK truck stops out there where you will be able to enjoy a lot of home comforts while you are travelling. Here’s some more info on the rules and regulations surrounding rest periods.
