National Lorry Week and Moto - making a difference where it matters

2015 saw the first RHA National Lorry Week. A lot has changed in that time; our industry and the way we work. Both because of the global pandemic that ruled our lives just a few years ago.
Despite that, the reason for National Lorry Week is as important now as it was eight years ago when we said on launch day: “National Lorry Week will provide us with an opportunity to reach out to the public and politicians as never before to highlight our massive and positive contribution to daily life."
None of that has changed.
But the changes that have come about because of our efforts to raise the importance of the industry, and the people that work in it have been quite remarkable, especially this year.
We are currently running three campaigns. They focus on the environment, skills, and facilities.
Facilities for drivers have always been a big issue, probably since the first driver set off to make a delivery and realised there was nowhere to get a cup of tea, never mind a comfort stop or a shower!
With the advent of drivers’ hours legislation, what once may have seemed like a luxury has become a necessity. But it is a necessity that is not being fulfilled, at least not quickly enough.
We were delighted when the RHA’s Policy Lead ‑ Infrastructure and Operator Licensing, Tom Cornwell, got in touch Motorway service area operator Moto Hospitality and asked to meet with their chief executive, Ken McMeikan, to discuss the issue.
At the end of September Tom met with Ken at Moto’s award-winning services area at Rugby.
Here are a couple of Ken’s comments: “Moto are absolutely delighted to be a part of the #RHAFacilities campaign. We’ve have believed for a long time that the UK’s unsung heroes have been the HGV drivers and they deserve, given the challenges of their role, good, secure conditions where they can rest, eat, and sleep.
“That’s not too much to ask but sadly, they are very wanting at the moment, and we have to do more.”
Tom showed Ken photos of some of Moto facilities that were not up to scratch. As a result, Ken committed to the refurbishment all Moto’s driver shower rooms. This won’t happen overnight, but good progress is being made as the photos below show.
This is the perfect of example of the RHA reaching out to the very people that can make a difference.
Thanks #TomCornwell and thanks #KenMcMeikan at #MotoHospitality #sleep
#nationallorryweek #nlw #driverfacilities #safeparking