Roadside services and lorry parking.
Roadside services and lorry parks sit on the strategic road network. We prepare the evidence National Highways and the local highway authority need, and design the HGV layout.
Main guide: DfT Circular 01/2022 and the strategic road network
There is a national shortage of lorry parking, and roadside facilities are generally supported in principle. The detail that decides applications is access and the effect on the road network.
What the council focuses on
Access onto the trunk road or a nearby junction, the effect on the strategic road network, the internal layout for articulated vehicles, and walking routes for drivers and staff.
The evidence that answers it
- A Transport Assessment agreed with National Highways and the local highway authority.
- Trip generation separating pass-by and new trips.
- Junction capacity modelling.
- Swept paths and parking layout for articulated HGVs.
National Highways
Development affecting the strategic road network is assessed against DfT Circular 01/2022. We agree the scope with National Highways early, because its requirements drive the programme.
What the application usually needs
- A Transport Assessment covering the strategic and local roads.
- Access design, often to DMRB standards.
- Swept paths for HGVs and coaches.
- Parking demand for lorries, cars and coaches.
- A Travel Plan for staff.
A typical case
A typical case is a truck stop with overnight lorry parking, fuel and a cafe beside a trunk road junction. National Highways asks about the effect on the junction and the safety of the access. We assess the trips, most of which are already on the road, model the junction and design the access to DMRB standards with separate lorry and car areas.
Technical points
Circular 01/2022 sets out how National Highways considers roadside facilities on the strategic road network, including the role of lorry parking. Design follows DMRB. HGV parking bays need generous widths and drive-through layouts. Security, lighting and walking routes from parked lorries to facilities are also part of the design.
If highways raise concerns
Concerns usually relate to junction capacity and the safety of the access onto a strategic road. Agreeing the scope and design approach with National Highways early is the most effective way to avoid objections later.
Where National Highways advises against a scheme, we review the technical basis and work towards an agreed solution or prepare appeal evidence.
How we help
We provide the Transport Assessment, junction modelling and access design, and manage the consultation with National Highways.
The same questions arise in Scotland and Wales, where they are assessed against NPF4 and Scottish guidance or Planning Policy Wales and TAN 18 rather than the NPPF.
To get a quote, send us:
- The site address or a location plan.
- The proposed facilities, parking numbers and opening hours.
- The road and junction the site will use.
- Any pre-application advice or highways comments you already have.
Questions we get asked
Who decides on access to a trunk road?
National Highways advises the council. It applies DMRB and Circular 01/2022.
Is there a need for more lorry parking?
Government and industry have identified a national shortage, which supports well-located lorry parks.
Do roadside services generate new trips?
Most visits are by vehicles already on the road. We show this clearly.
What design standards apply?
DMRB on the strategic road network, and local standards on other roads.
Do you prepare the Transport Assessment?
Yes, including junction modelling and access design.
Related guidance.
Related services: Transport Assessments · Junction modelling · DMRB.
Guidance and sources
- GOV.UK: National Planning Policy FrameworkEngland. National policy on transport in planning decisions.
- GOV.UK: Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and StatementsEngland. Planning guidance on proportionate transport evidence.
Sources checked 8 November 2026. General information, not advice on a specific site.
Got a site in mind?
Send us the location and what is proposed. We will tell you what the council is likely to ask for, with a fixed fee.