DP World has opened what it is describing as a state-of-the-art driver welfare facility at its Southampton container terminal with secure parking for over 130 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The £20 million upgrade, operated by Cartland Truck Stop Ltd, also offers a restaurant, café, bathrooms and showers as well as electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure capable of charging an HGV in two hours.
DP World’s Ports & Terminals Lead for Northern Europe, Ernst Schulze, said: “Drivers are a vital part of the UK supply chain. By providing modern, secure, and comfortable facilities alongside cutting-edge EV charging, we are working to future-proof UK logistics.”
The development will be welcomed by drivers and operators after a survey last year found that only 37% of drivers were satisfied with the number of available stopping places in the UK.
The site for the driver welfare facility was leased by DP World from Port of Southampton operator ABP in January 2023 and is the latest project to be undertaken as part of the company’s investment of a further £1 billion in its UK operations over the next 10 years.
Southampton City Council supported the scheme after the plans included a pre-gate entry system designed to reduce waiting times and ease traffic flow.
