Union chiefs are to lobby MPs and councillors to ensure good welfare standards for truck drivers set to use the lorry parks being built ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period.

There are set to be at least four major lorry parks in the county to deal with the delays caused by the increased checks and paperwork required following our departure from the European Union.

Among those parks currently under construction are large sites just off the M20 in Ashford and the transformation of part of the car park at the Ebbsfleet International railway station. Another is planned in Ashford and one in Dover.

However, the union Unite says there has been a "lack of information" about the welfare facilities available for professional lorry drivers.

It says clean toilets, washing facilities, hot food and areas for drivers to relax outside their cabs are essential.

Unite says, so far, the government has "only mentioned Portaloos" and that, it believes, is "entirely inadequate".

Now it will be calling on local politicians to support its campaign and ensure the services are provided either by the local authorities or central government.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Unite will not allow MPs and councillors to look the other way as lorry drivers are denied basic rights.

“This is a huge public health issue, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Unless there are adequate welfare facilities then it is inevitable that the local environment will be damaged.

“The government has had years to plan for how transport will be managed post-Brexit but it has singularly failed to do so.

"The health and safety of drivers must not be put at risk as a result of the government’s failings.”

Unite says it is also seeking a seat on the Kent Resilience Forum - which helps co-ordinate services during an emergency - to provide a voice for lorry drivers, but says its request has not yet been acknowledged.

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