Facilities for lorry drivers "absolutely disgusting" claims Aberdeen driver
An Aberdeen lorry driver is telling Northsound News it'll be tough to fill the shortage of those behind the wheel of HGVs without more and better service stations.
An Aberdeen lorry driver is telling Northsound news that the majority of facilities available to drivers on the road in Scotland are "absolutely disgusting."
With the current shortage of drivers, Stuart tells us he wonders why anyone would want to get into the industry with a such limited service stations and comfort areas available.
"Between Dundee and Aberdeen you would only have Stracathro" he said.
Continuing he told us:
"In Aberdeen itself there's nowhere other than the Altens lorry park, and between Aberdeen and Inverness there's nothing."
Stuart tells us that even where facilities are available, they aren't very appealing.
He said:
"You're 30 odd pound a night to park in some of these places, extortionate prices.
"And you've got a McDonalds or Burger King for your supper every night.
"The toilets and showers are absolutely disgusting in the majority of them."
Stuart says the problem, whilst not as bad in the central belt, is still prevalent Scotland wide.
"It's not just an Aberdeen thing, It's a Scotland thing.
"Scotland's got a lack of facilities for drivers.
"When you come north of Glasgow there's not very much."
There shortage of drivers is caused by multiple issues according to those in the industry.
From the facilities, to Brexit and to the difficulty getting young people into the job.
It's estimated the UK is currently around 100,000 drivers short of the optimum level, and to make matters worse around a third of those could retire within the next five years.