SOUTHAMPTON port bosses have devised a £12m scheme that aims to prevent visiting HGVs having to queue in roads surrounding the docks.
Associated British Ports (ABP) has lodged an application to build a lorry park on a 14-hectare site north west of Dock Gate 20.
The company wants to provide better facilities for HGV drivers as well as eliminating the need for lorries to park in public streets.
If the scheme is approved by the city council, 130 parking bays will be provided near the junction of Western Avenue and First Avenue.
The application says: "As well as providing sufficient parking areas the truck park will have a welfare block containing toilets and showers and a cafeteria where food and refreshments will be provided, along with an area for drivers to relax.
"The rationale is to improve the efficiency and safety of the operations associated with the container terminal.
"When the terminal experiences delays or unexpected issues the current pre-gate area quickly becomes full and it becomes necessary for HGVs to be turned away.
"As a result, HGVs end up parking on the public highway network which generates a number of safety and social issues."
The application says the proposed development aims to tackle congestion and "conflicts" with other port traffic.
It adds: "There is now a general acknowledgement that HGV drivers do not work under very pleasant conditions. They often work long hours spending time away from home and the facilities they have to use are often not of a particularly high standard.
"These issues are a contributing factor to the current HGV driver shortage that has been well reported.
"The truck park will reduce the numbers of port-related lorries queuing and parking on local roads as well as improving the welfare of drivers by providing services which are currently not available within the port.
"The development will not increase the capacity or throughput of the container terminal.
"The rationale is to improve the efficiency of the port in response to changes in shipping and freight markets by relocating and enhancing the pre-gate administration area and provide much-needed facilities for HGV drivers accessing the port."
An ABP spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "As part of the port’s long-term strategy we are planning to create a new lorry park with modern facilities allowing drivers to have a break, a meal and a shower when visiting the port.
"In addition, we aim to reconfigure some container storage space on port as we seek to further build resilience in the UK supply chain.
"Finally, the changes will allow us to further improve access for port workers who cycle to work.
"If planning is granted for the lorry park, we hope that work on this £12m scheme will complete in the first half of 2023."
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