Written question WQ88189

The Welsh Government has made a commitment as set out in Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy (WTS), to develop a new Freight & Logistics Plan for Wales. Data gathering to understand the challenges faced by the industry will form a key part of the Plan.

The Roads Review, published in February 2023, recommended pushing ahead with the Freight and Logistics Plan but also recommended more active engagement with the freight transport industry, particularly in problem identification. The review stated that greater attention should be given to concerns of the road haulage sector in relation to provision of suitable lay-bys, parking facilities and rest areas for HGV drivers. The Welsh Government is acutely aware of the challenges faced by the industry and is actively engaged via the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK. Both organisations and their members are keen to contribute to the Plan, which officials are progressing this year.

Ministers welcomed the Economy, Rural Affairs and Trade Committee’s inquiry last year into addressing HGV drivers shortages and related supply chain issues and its recommendations.

During the inquiry evidence session, the committee requested that Welsh Government bring forward recommendation 3 that: “The Welsh Government should carry out an audit of rest facilities for drivers and create a national inventory similar to that available for England”. The Minister for the Economy wrote to the Chair acknowledging the request, advising that officials would move the work forward, and that he would write to Committee once the work was completed and provide a copy of the published findings. This work will now be completed alongside the development of the Freight and Logistics plan.