eStar research shows UK service stations labelled the worst for truck drivers

Research conducted amongst 250 truck and van drivers showed that two-thirds (66%) believe the UK has the worst service stations out of all the countries they’ve visited. In fact, 33% of male drivers say service stations are unusable, with this rising to 38% amongst female drivers.

Drivers say service stations are dingy (33%), dirty (27%) and unsafe (28%), and sadly, these working conditions makes them feel vulnerable (16%), unsafe (15%) and neglected (15%).

When asked specifically about what the daily issues facing them were, the respondents cited:

1. Access to bathroom facilities (50%)

2. Long waiting times for loading/unloading (46%)

3. Quality of food available at service stations (43%)

4. Cleanliness of service stations (41%)

5. Unhygienic facilities at service stations (39%)

As a result of this, 40% of drivers feel they are treated unfairly, with a further 36% feeling like they’re forgotten about, so changes truck and van drivers would like to see were cited as:

• Driver community areas to socialise with the rest of the community (38%)

• Increased toilet/shower facilities (38%)

• Increased parking spaces (34%)

• Greater security measures (34%)

• Clean facilities (33%)

• Healthier food options (32%)

Steve Bridge, Managing Director of eStar, said: “As we head closer to Christmas the demand for deliveries is getting higher and higher, meaning more work for truck and van drivers. These drivers are among those who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and have faced several other issues including driver shortages, Brexit and an unprecedented increase in deliveries. Quite often these jobs involve driving for long periods of time, unsocial hours, and having to take pit stops at service stations.

“Those of us that use service stations as quick stop-offs on long trips to grab some food or use the facilities may not notice the environment in as much detail, so we’re proud to be able to give drivers a voice to share their own views.

“Working environments have an effect on us and our attitudes towards our jobs no matter the role or what we do, which is why at our new Knowsley dealerships, we have created a driver lounge and shower facility for all our truck customers, even if they don’t have any work booked in with us that day – they’re welcome to use our safe, secure, and clean facilities at any time.”

For more information about eStar, please visit www.estartruckandvan.co.uk.

Ends

eStar Truck & Van Ltd, established in 2020, is owned by industry leaders, Sid Sadique, and Ali Sharifi, and employs more than 300 people across Knowsley, Deeside, Stoke-on-Trent, and Trafford Park.

As a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer, eStar can provide customers with everything from a small Citan van to a 44-tonne tractor unit, and are well placed to serve the business and lifestyle community, from adventuring families requiring eight-seater transport, to sole traders with a single vehicle, to major logistics fleet operators.

With extensive experience across electric and alternative fuels, the team at eStar is committed to supporting customers every step of the way along their journey to delivering greener products, services, and people.

For more information about eStar, please visit

For press enquiries, please contact Caroline Burnell, head of marketing and communications at eStar, via 07876 217056 or caroline.burnell@estartruckandvan.co.uk.

* The research was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 18.11.2021 - 22.11.2021 amongst a panel resulting in 250 HGV and LCV drivers in the UK. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2019) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018).