In a significant development affecting the logistics and transportation sector, the Bardon Truck Stop in Leicestershire has been mandated to cease operations within the next three weeks. This decision follows a ruling by the planning inspectorate, which highlighted severe safety risks associated with the site’s current operations.
Established five years ago by proprietor Brett Parker, the Bardon Truck Stop has served as a crucial rest and refueling point for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers traversing North West Leicestershire. Despite its pivotal role, the facility has been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute stemming from shared access issues with the adjacent Charnwood Arms, a Greene King-owned establishment.
Image: Bardon Truck Stop
Parker said: “We have toilets, showers and 24-hour security and now all that is coming to an end. My legal team is looking at other areas but within three weeks I don’t think anything can be done about it. It’s already cost me a fortune.”
The contention began with disagreements over the shared access route between the truck stop and the Charnwood Arms. The local council issued an enforcement notice against the truck stop, citing safety concerns. Parker’s subsequent appeal was unsuccessful, leading to the enforcement of the closure order.
Planning inspector John Braithwaite underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that patrons of the Charnwood Arms traverse areas where HGVs execute right-angled turns. A road safety assessment indicated a potential collision rate between lorries and pedestrians of once every five to ten years. Braithwaite emphasized that the risk to life is severe and cannot be underestimated, necessitating the immediate cessation of the site’s operations.
“The simple truth is that HGVs are manoeuvring, on a regular basis, through a small area that is traversed by customers and guests of the Charnwood Arms. The severity of the risk is, as noted in the [risk assessment], ‘potentially fatal’, and there are no measures that could be introduced to mitigate the risk. The severity of the risk to life cannot be underestimated and the use of the site must cease as soon as is reasonably possible,” Braithwaite said.
The closure of Bardon Truck Stop is poised to have far-reaching consequences for the local haulage community. Parker expressed profound disappointment, highlighting the truck stop’s impeccable safety record and its role in providing essential services, including secure parking, rest facilities, and 24-hour security. The shutdown not only affects the livelihoods of the staff but also exacerbates the shortage of safe parking spaces for HGV drivers in a region already identified as having a high demand for such facilities.
The decision has elicited varied reactions within the industry. While safety remains a paramount concern, stakeholders emphasize the necessity of balancing regulatory compliance with the operational needs of the transport sector. The closure underscores the pressing need for strategic planning and investment in infrastructure to support the haulage industry, ensuring that safety and operational efficiency are maintained.
The impending closure of Bardon Truck Stop serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in managing shared access facilities and the critical importance of safety in operational planning. As the logistics community navigates this transition, collaborative efforts between operators, local authorities, and industry stakeholders will be essential in developing sustainable solutions that uphold safety standards while supporting the vital functions of the transportation network.
