The parking area at The Hollies Truckstop has been given a much-needed overhaul thanks to a £141,000 Government grant.
Certas Energy, which operates the Cannock site less a mile off Junction 12 of the M6, has carried out work to resurface the parking area after winning a share of £8million from the Department of Transport, which launched a funding scheme to help improve services and conditions for truck drivers across the UK.
Previously covered in gravel without clear markings, the 2,200 square metre parking area at The Hollies, which can hold up to 60 HGVs, has been resurfaced using 440 cubic metres of concrete. Clearer lines have also been painted to mark out directions and bays, making it much easier for drivers to navigate.
The funding comes from the Government’s HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme and forms part of a £100 million joint investment between the government and industry to support the logistics sector, helping to boost economic growth.
Mike Heaton, Head of Estate Development Roadside Services from Certas Energy UK, said: “Enhancing driver welfare and ensuring that hauliers have somewhere safe, clean and secure to park their vehicles is a leading priority of our business – and the DfT funding is a vital step in giving drivers the facilities they deserve.
“This funding has been fundamental in helping us carrying out much needed improvements for the benefit of the thousands of truck drivers who come to TheStop at The Hollies every day.
“Not only will the new parking area be much clearer and safer to use, but it will also be more robust, assisting drivers with parking.”
A second phase of work is due to be undertaken at The Hollies, TheStop, following an announcement for a second round of funding from the Roads Minster.
For Phase 2 of the project, The Hollies has been awarded almost £122,000. This money will help carry out crucial improvements to help contribute towards the decarbonisation of the haulage sector and are part of Certas Energy’s mission to reduce carbon emissions at the site.
The Hollies, TheStop is the first truck stop operated by Certas Energy’s Roadside Services division. Following major investment, the UK’s oldest – and an awarding-winning – truck stop boasts a café, bar, 15-room hotel, washroom facilities, gaming area, laundrette, truck wash and HGV refuelling bunker. It also offers improved parking facilities, with 220 secure HGV parking spaces per night, as well as on-site security guards and CCTV monitoring.
