Following the release of an industry led Department for Transport (DfT) Task and Finish Group (TFG) report on lorry parking security and standards, market-leading mutual insurer TT Club is urging coordinated action across industry and government to address the serious and rising threat of cargo theft in the UK.
The findings, drawn from analysis by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS Freight), reveal that 5,373 freight crime incidents were recorded in 2023 alone, representing an estimated £68 million in losses, with the true cost likely much higher.
In a recent letter to the TFG, the DfT formally recognised the importance of high-quality lorry parking facilities, stating: “the Government recognises the need to provide all HGV drivers with access to appropriate facilities…not just to attract new drivers to the profession, but to support the health and wellbeing of those already in the sector”.
TT Club Managing Director of Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood, commented: “We are pleased the Government has acknowledged the valuable outputs of the TFG and the need for improved HGV driver facilities. However, urgent collective action is now needed to implement the report’s recommendations, particularly in raising minimum security standards.”
Deputy Chief Constable Jayne Meir, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Freight Crime, said: “I welcome the findings of the Task and Finish Group report in relation to security standards for lorry parking facilities. The report provides truck stops and the haulage sector with an insight into the improvements that can be made, to keep drivers safe and their cargoes more secure.”
Despite some facilities being classified as safe, nearly a third of cargo theft incidents occurred at said safe locations – highlighting the need to distinguish between facilities that safeguard drivers and those that fully secure vehicles and cargo. Current site vulnerabilities include poor lighting, lack of perimeter fencing, insufficient CCTV, and uncontrolled access, making sites ideal targets for organised criminals.
Drivers are also facing emotional and professional strain – according to the Trucking Lives 2024 report, 32% of drivers report that their mental health has been negatively impacted by the risks associated with inadequate facilities.
The TFG, supported by TT Club and police security experts, provided targeted security assessments at the UK’s most theft-prone lorry parks, explaining it was: “particularly pleased to see the practical steps taken to provide site-specific advice to the top 10 lorry parking sites most vulnerable to crime”, adding that this work had been referred to the Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention.
Case studies included in the report, from The Hollies and Red Lion Truck Stops, both of which have invested significantly in accredited security standards, demonstrate crime reduction, 100% occupancy rates, and improved driver satisfaction, proving secure parking can be commercially successful.
TT Club supports recommendations that include:
• Increased match-funding to incentivise security investment
• Stronger planning guidance and earlier engagement between developers and local authorities
• Public funding for policing units like NaVCIS Freight
• Adoption and promotion of recognised secure parking standards
• Development of a national secure parking network across the Strategic Road Network
To view the full report, visit the TT Club website.