Central information point needed for rest stops, says FleetCheck

A central information source should be created to provide detailed information about truck driver rest facilities, FleetCheck has said.

While operators and drivers share informal reports about locations through conversations, WhatsApp groups and other channels, there is no reliable dedicated, online reference point, said Callum Haymon-Collins, COO at the fleet software specialist.

He added: “It’s arguable for a sector that spends a lot of time planning the need for driver rest, we don’t devote enough resources to discussing what that rest may look like.

“In order to meet Driver Hours responsibilities, a driver may stop at a planned location only to find that parking up is difficult, hot food service stopped an hour previously and the toilets are unclean.

“While they no doubt make the best of the situation and get out from behind the wheel, it’s still frustrating for the employee.

“Having more information about rest facilities would mean operators can plan better quality breaks.”

FleetCheck added that employers taking greater interest in rest facilities could also help driver attraction and retention at a point in time when recruiting drivers remained difficult.

Haymon-Collins added: “Taking care to plan breaks in locations where facilities are good shows an interest in driver welfare above and beyond Driver Hours legislation and could, we believe, help employees feel they are working for an organisation that cares about their wellbeing.”