To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received on the provision of lorry parking facilities on the strategic road network; and what steps he is taking to improve the provision of such facilities.

We have received three letters on this subject from MPs, plus several from hauliers and lorry drivers. We have also received representations in meetings with the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association and Unite the Union.

We are concerned by suggestions that a lack of suitable, affordable facilities is one of the factors leading to the current shortage of lorry drivers. Therefore we are having discussions with the haulage industry and Highways England to see what improvements are possible.