Motis freight services is investing £1 million to develop its site in the Port of Dover and to create employment opportunities.

The 320 space lorry area, off Lord Warden Square in the Western Docks, allows truckers to stop for their legally required rest period.

Work has begun to provide hauliers and drivers with new toilets, showers, catering, a launderette, plus a TV lounge.

Cargo handling areas are also being upgraded to include ambient, frozen and chilled storage.

A hand truck wash is already in progress.

It will have wifi installed and drivers will be able to make discounted international calls.

Safety and security is being improved with 1km of new fencing and additional CCTV equipment.

Rob Hardy, Motis FSA general manager, said: “It has taken a little longer than anticipated to start the key works on site, but meanwhile we have been able to provide an interim service.

“Going forward we aim to be the benchmark for truck parking and have many innovative plans to further add value which we will be implementing over the coming months.

'Going forward we aim to be the benchmark for truck parking and have many innovative plans to further add value which we will be implementing over the coming months' - Rob Hardy

“Now that work has started we can really look to the future and to provide the service levels our customers expect from Motis.

“The site has been particularly popular with hauliers disembarking in Dover in the evening, parking overnight with us and then paying the HGV Levy on exit helping to ensure they comply with their legal break requirements.

Chris Polwart, Motis commercial director, added “Motis are proud to provide these additional facilities at such a key geographic point in Europe.

“The majority of our customers are now passing our doorstep on a regular basis so providing these additional facilities is fantastic and natural progression to our already strong product range including freight ferry bookings, motorway tolls, alpine tunnels and rolling highways.

“It also gives us the opportunity to offer some unique product packages to our customers based on specific requirements they may have for their vehicles or drivers on arrival in the UK”.