A Stoke-on-Trent truck stop, which has raised the bar when it comes to driver welfare facilities, is hosting a special open day, which will see government officials, businesses and members of the community come together.
Ads Truck Parking in Longton, has totally transformed its base following a £225,000 Government grant received last year.
The grant – part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme – has seen brand new shower and toilet facilities, a large cafe area with outside seating and a training room, along with a social area installed.
To add brand new lorry ramps have also been introduced and security fencing and CCTV cameras around the site.
On Thursday 18 April, the team at Ads Truck Parking will be welcoming MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton along with officials from DfT to their Willow Row base for an open day to celebrate the new facilities.
“Driver welfare and safety is paramount to what we provide for anyone using our lorry parking,” says owner Andrew Sargent.
“I’d been in the industry myself for many years before opening Ads Truck Parking in 2019, and therefore I totally understand what drivers appreciate when they are looking for somewhere to rest up.
“It’s really important that drivers can experience somewhere with good food and a nice place to shower before they continue on their journey – it all helps in the day to day work of a lorry driver.”
Andrew adds: “To help to celebrate all of the work which has taken place we will be welcoming Government officials, including local MP Jack Brereton along with businesses within the industry and further afield, to come along and visit our site to see for themselves what is available.
“We also welcome local residents to join us on this day as we very much want to include the community in what we do as much as we can. Our cafe facilities are open to anyone and we welcome visitors.”
Andrew and his partner Berni Buxton also pride themselves on providing a home from home for drivers to add to their experience at the Stoke location, which is just off the A50 and A500.
“We always wanted to give drivers something more than just a lorry park,” adds Berni.
“Sometimes there can be a stigma around lorry parks or even drivers not being too bothered about what kind of place they stop over – but that is not the case and we have proved that with the renovations we have been able to provide with thanks to the Government grant funding.”
MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton said: “I very much look forward to visiting Ads Truck Parking to see the completed works following their recent £225,000 Government grant funding.
“I know that this will be a fantastic occasion to see the completed works first-hand and meet the teams responsible for the renovations as part of a joint visit with the Department for Transport.
“This investment will continue to support ADS Truck Parking to be a central hub for hauliers traveling through our area, helping boost the local economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Longton particularly.”
Ads Truck Parking will also soon be unveiling a fully stocked on site shop to provide drivers with essentials such as deodorants and showering gels.
The open day taking place on Thursday 18 April will run from 12pm – 4pm. For more information please contact Ads Truck Parking on 07462080094.
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