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A from independent watchdog, Transport Focus, found that nearly half of lorry drivers aren’t satisfied with the amount and quality of truck stops in England. They feel the latter has deteriorated in the last year too. Here at SNAP, we have a network of offering superior services (in fact, we’ll soon be launching our own awards celebrating the best truck stops!). So, if there are plenty of great ones out there, it begs the question: why are drivers so unhappy? First, let’s take a look at what they’re not content with. Drivers are saying they don’t feel welcome and safe at every stop. On top of this, they’re unable to properly rest or enjoy a good meal. Some of the feedback included that there’s not always available or clean showers and toilets. A female driver also commented that there isn’t a shower in the women’s bathroom – meaning she had no choice but to go into the men’s to wash. However, it’s important to point out the statistics are from those who opted to take their breaks at these rest stops, so there is likely some level of fulfilment. What’s more, the survey only asked drivers about their experience at a third of the total number of truck stops, motorway services, and those on A roads in England. Plus, there were many truck parks achieving satisfactory scores of at least 95%, with overall contentment at 86%. So, perhaps the problem isn’t as big as it seems. Though, the industry certainly can’t ignore it – especially given what our findings uncovered. We found that 70% of drivers chose lay-bys over service stations or truck stops, with a key reason being insufficient security. For instance, they’ve experienced the likes of having their curtains cut previously. Though, it’s worth noting that in 2023, Cambridgeshire police reported , compared to 27% at service stations – which suggests maybe drivers are putting their worry in the wrong place. On our social media pages, over half of lorry drivers revealed that they thought the UK’s rest stops weren’t safe and secure in comparison to those in Europe. And for spaces that do have a higher level of protection, 70% have seen these full by the early evening. Although this implies there’s an insufficient amount to meet demand, many of our sites have fantastic security. So, for those that don’t, they should consider how to improve this. We provide a variety of services to better the experience all round – including our industry-leading security packages via SNAP Access & Security. From and to , we ensure the best protection for truck stops and therefore drivers and all cargo. You can learn more about , or discover our other services (like parking and washing) .

Scheduled to launch in November but delayed due to concerns, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area requiring anyone with a UK passport to register biometric details such as fingerprints or a photo. EES will replace manually stamping passports when visitors enter the EU. We've collated everything you'll need to know ahead of the change.Any country using the EES will require the following information from travellers:• Place of entry and exit• Date of entry and exit• Travel documents.The EES has the following benefits:• It modernises the management of the EU's external borders improving the experience for those travelling. • The EES combats identity fraud by collecting biometric data.• It can identify overstayers and reliably provides data on entries, exits, and refusals. • Improved border checks, electronic records, and biometric data will strengthen the security within the EU.• It provides real-time information sharing allowing border authorities across the EU to see the correct information at the right time. In the long term, the new EES will streamline operations and benefit non-EU travellers. However, there are several concerns surrounding the new system:• At least three EU countries are not fully prepared for the launch.• Several countries may not be able to introduce the advanced biometric system.• No proper testing of the system occurred at the Port of Dover one of the UK's busiest crossings.• The initial launch could cause increased delays at border checkpoints. Further delays to the official launch of the EES could eradicate several of these concerns. UK HGV operators have expressed concerns regarding the 90 days out of 180 Schengen travel limit maintaining regular business operations within the EU could be challenging. Fleet companies with non-EU drivers could face travel restrictions or fines if the limit is exceeded. There isn't much that fleets and drivers can do to prepare for the new system most of it will occur in person at the port. However, fleets and drivers can take the following measures to ensure a smooth transition:• When booking travel, ensure you have all the information required before travelling to the port. • Know what to expect when you arrive practical differences mean the process will vary in different places. • Allow enough time to complete pre-travel formalities especially if you are travelling close to the start date.The following countries will be using the EES:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.There are several exemptions to the new EES:• Nationals of the countries using the EES (Including Cyprus and Ireland).• Non-EU nationals immediately related to an EU citizen. They must hold a residence card.• Any non-EU national who holds a residence card or permit immediately related to a non-EU national can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen. • Citizens with a residence permit or long-stay visa. • Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino.• People with a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.• Anyone exempt from border checks (such as heads of state or cross-border workers)• Citizens holding a valid local border traffic permit.• Crew of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys. • Anyone not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points during fixed opening hours.If you fail to provide the required personal information, you will be denied entry to EU countries using the EES. For fleet companies, this could result in a loss of income if their drivers do not provide the relevant information.Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted under the new EES. Automated systems to cross the border require a biometric passport.

At the start of October, the Government announced its plan to scrap HS2 and redirect funding to improve the country's transport infrastructure – a project known as Network North. The project will provide £36 billion to improve major roads that have become a bone of contention for drivers. The announcement surprised many, but what does it mean for the truck drivers who are endlessly traversing across these roads? The Government will increase funding for most existing Major Road Network and Large Local Major road schemes. These schemes will go from an 85% to a 100% contribution to ensure they are delivered. A list of the is available on . Extra funding for these schemes will improve road efficiency throughout the country. The strategic road network scheme aims to reduce congestion and ensure smoother journeys for those using the roads frequently. A welcome advancement for truck drivers where sitting in standstill traffic has become the norm. • M6 Junction 15 As one of the busiest sections of road in the UK and used by over vehicles per day, it has long suffered from heavy congestion and unpredictable journey times. The tight corners on the slip road have proven challenging for truck drivers causing overturns and increased traffic delays. The changes promised should reduce congestion and improve the safety of the junction. • Two Manchester North West Quadrant projects The M60 sees journeys daily from commuters and long-distance drivers. The Northwest Quadrant projects will aim to bypass J12-J18 and remodel junctions 12, 13, and 14. Other additions, such as a link road to the A57 and capacity improvements to junctions nine, ten, seventeen, and eighteen, will improve congestion and journey times. • A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham The 12.8-mile stretch has been plagued by development delays since its proposal. However, the Network North project aims to get development underway by widening the stretch of road improving journey time, safety, and resiliency. • A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth pinch points Although further details are yet to be released, it's been suggested that congestion relief will be prominent in their plans. • A50/A500 corridor improvements between Stoke and Derby With average rush hour speeds below 20mph, this route has proven slow and unreliable for truck drivers and commuters. The Network North scheme is likely to: • Generate new jobs by 2061 • See a population increase in the area by 2061 • See a increase in GVA (gross value added) over the next 60 years. • A2 Brenley Corner Known as Kent's most congested junction, Network North promises to invest in this area fantastic news for truck drivers traveling to Dover. Further details regarding development plans are yet to be released. However, plans to improve Brenley Corner have been discussed since 2021. • A75 improvements between Gretna and Stranraer The A57 is in dire need of dualling as currently, truck drivers are restricted to a 40mph speed limit causing tailbacks and long delays. As a crucial ferry link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, truck drivers who use this link will benefit heavily from the project. An improved road infrastructure will alleviate congestion, saving truck drivers valuable time and fuel expenses contributing to faster delivery times. The Network North scheme looks to improve the lives of truck drivers and other road users by increasing safety and enhancing efficiency. According to a report by , from 2007-2021, the average pass rate for a HGV practical test was around 50%. Data from shows in 2022-2023, 75.9% of men in the UK passed their LGV test compared to 75.9% of women who passed. As with any profession, some aspects are stressful. Long hours away from loved ones can cause loneliness and isolation among many drivers. Additionally, truck driving is a high-pressure job at times with tight delivery deadlines and navigating through unpredictable weather conditions.