HGV Driver Health Checks: Certas Energy launches The Great Driver MOT
This Road Safety Week (16-20 November 2026), Certas Energy is launching The Great Driver MOT. The initiative offers free physical and mental health checks to HGV drivers across its The Stop network. It forms part of a wider commitment to driver welfare.
What Does The Great Driver MOT Include?
A registered nurse practitioner will deliver each 20-minute health assessment. Drivers will receive a mental wellbeing review and have their height and weight measured. The nurse will also check blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose and cholesterol. Drivers get immediate feedback and guidance on next steps where appropriate.
The initiative arrives ahead of the peak festive season for drivers. It follows significant investment across The Stop network to improve site security and the standard of rest facilities. It also comes as the industry continues to tackle the challenges of driver health, welfare and retention.
Where and When Can Drivers Get a Free Health Check?
The health checks will be available at three truck stops. Drivers can visit The Stop at Watling Street on Monday 16 November and The Stop at The Hollies on Wednesday 18 November. Newly acquired The Stop Ecclefechan hosts the final session on Friday 20 November. Checks run between 4pm and 8pm at every truck stop location.
The Great Driver MOT will also support Certas Energy’s own fleet at two key depots. The team will visit Coleshill on Tuesday 17 November and Clitheroe on Thursday 19 November. Depot checks run between 12pm and 5pm.
All health checks operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why Driver Welfare Matters
Research has highlighted significant health and wellbeing challenges among HGV drivers.¹ These drivers spend extended periods on the road. Safe, comfortable and well-equipped facilities are therefore vital for rest, recovery and healthy routines.
Recent industry and government-backed investment programmes have improved truck stop facilities. Even so, the UK still faces an estimated shortfall of around 11,000 overnight HGV parking spaces. Only 36% of drivers secure a designated overnight parking space, and many continue to rely on lay-bys and other informal locations.²
More than 684,000 HGV drivers help keep the UK’s supply chains moving. Access to high-quality welfare provision remains a critical issue for the industry.³
What Certas Energy Says About the Campaign
Mike Heaton, Head of Estate Development at Certas Energy, explains the thinking behind the initiative. He says: “HGV drivers work incredibly hard to keep the country moving, so it’s important we do our bit to support them when they’re on the road.
“We’ve invested heavily in improving our truck stops, taking what works so well at The Stop at The Hollies and bringing that same standard to more locations across the UK. Whether it’s better food, improved security, modern shower facilities or quicker refuelling, it’s all about creating somewhere drivers want to stop.
“The Great Driver MOT is another part of that commitment. We know drivers don’t always get time to focus on their own health, so we’re pleased to be offering free health checks across our network. If you’re passing through one of our sites during Road Safety Week, pop in and get checked out.”
Find Out More About The Stop
For more information about The Stop and its locations, visit the website at https://thestop.co.uk/.
