The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the government's latest commitment to tackling the issue of illegal lorry parking across the UK.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said the news that a national survey of rest areas for professional drivers is to be carried out in the coming months is a fantastic development for the UK logistics industry.

Indeed, it comes at a time when there is growing public concern regarding the volume of large goods vehicles being parked up in areas that are not appropriate for them.

He stated: "Finding a safe and secure place to park, either overnight or during statutory rest periods, is no easy task.

"Secure lorry parking facilities with appropriate amenities should not be seen as a problem – on the contrary, they are the answer to lorry intrusion in local areas and to improving driver welfare."

Mr Burnett concluded that by identifying those areas where parking capacity is currently lacking, this new survey will enable the government to better focus its resources and to address this issue once and for all in the years ahead.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "Providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure the nation's hauliers can carry out their deliveries in line with the legal requirement for breaks and rest is not only essential, but should be a top priority to ensure the UK's transport network is fit for purpose in the 21st century."