To mark National Lorry Week 2024, one of the UK’s leading motorway service providers, Welcome Break, announced a number of significant upgrades aimed at improving the safety and well-being of HGV drivers. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to supporting the more than 440,000 HGV drivers who park overnight and over 6 million who visit its sites each year.
In collaboration with National Highways, Welcome Break has invested £1.7 million, matched by an equal contribution from National Highways, to upgrade HGV facilities at multiple locations. These improvements include new, modern shower facilities, 3-metre-high palisade security fencing, enhanced LED lighting, and advanced CCTV with PTZ and Infrared Bi-Optic technology, which are remotely monitored to bolster driver safety.
In addition to these safety measures, Welcome Break will introduce outdoor gyms at five of its sites in early 2025. Sponsored by National Highways, this initiative aims to provide drivers with a convenient way to stay active during breaks, supporting both physical and mental health.
This partnership between Welcome Break and National Highways is part of the Government’s Designated Funds Project, launched in 2022, which set aside £20 million in matched funding to enhance infrastructure for the HGV sector.
Nick Jackson, Welcome Break’s Head of Commercial Income, expressed appreciation for National Highways' support: “We are incredibly grateful for the funding from National Highways, which has enabled us to make significant improvements to our HGV driver facilities across our locations. This investment has allowed us to upgrade key amenities, including modern shower blocks, enhanced security with fencing and CCTV, improved lighting, and even the introduction of outdoor gyms.
These improvements have not only created a safer and more comfortable environment for our drivers but also contributed to their overall well-being and job satisfaction. The process of working with National Highways has been a tremendous opportunity for us to further support our drivers, and we are already seeing the positive impact on their daily experience.”