A central information source should be created to provide detailed, reliable information about truck driver rest facilities, according to software specialist FleetCheck.

While drivers and fleet operators currently share informal reports about locations through conversations, WhatsApp groups and other channels, there is no dedicated, online reference point.

Callum Haymon-Collins, chief operating officer at FleetCheck, highlighted that while the transport sector spends a lot of time planning the need for driver rest, it fails to plan for what that rest may look like.

“In order to meet driver hours responsibilities, a driver may stop at a planned location only to find that parking up is difficult, hot food service stopped an hour previously and the toilets are unclean.

“While they no doubt make the best of the situation and get out from behind the wheel, it’s still frustrating for the employee. Having more information about rest facilities would mean operators can plan better quality breaks.”

FleetCheck also argues that use of a central database by employers could help driver attraction and retention at a point in time when recruiting drivers remained difficult.

“Taking care to plan breaks in locations where facilities are good shows an interest in driver welfare above and beyond driver hours legislation and could, we believe, help employees feel they are working for an organisation that cares about their wellbeing.”

Haymon-Collins also noted that the new, updated National Planning Policy Framework unveiled by the Burnham administration earlier this month mentioned the need to establish driver rest stops that had genuine value.

“The wording is that ‘new or expanded facilities must demonstrate a clear, proven requirement for driver welfare’ which suggests that only planning permission would be given for rest locations that offered good amenities.”

FleetCheck suggests that the most viable route forward is for an established truck industry publisher to spearhead the platform.

“These organisations understand the industry, are experienced in maintaining websites and are equipped to extract potential advertising revenue from the rest locations themselves, as well as other businesses wanting to reach operators and drivers. They seem well-placed to make this kind of resource a reality.”

Earlier this month, Logistics UK revealed the results of its national search for the Best Truck Stop of the Year 2026, which saw Ashford International Truckstop claim the top spot. The competition drew over 200 driver nominations to celebrate high standards of roadside service.

The initiative is part of Logistics UK’s ongoing efforts to draw attention to the need to raise the standards of truck stops across the UK roadside network and recognise the critical role they play for the nation’s drivers.