Truckers urged to find a space to stop by downloading app

Lorry drivers are being urged to use an app that allows them to check whether parking spaces are available at Ashford International Truckstop.

MyTruckparking, the realtime parking reservation system launched last year by the Truckstop, off the A2070, is now available to download from the App Store and Google Play for Android.

Since its launch as a web-based app last year, MyTruckparking has helped the Truckstop operate close to its 300 space capacity each night, improving freight management and reducing inappropriate and illegal parking of HGVs in the local area.

The MyTruckparking App allows drivers and transport managers to reserve a guaranteed space, gives real-time alerts and sends images of the vehicle to the driver’s traffic management teams at head office on arrival and departure.

All vehicles are parked in a secure compound with driver facilities close to junction 10 of the M20. Darren Smith, the Truckstop’s general manager, said: “The MyTruckparking App has proved to be a great success and is popular with users. Being available from the App Store and Google Play takes it up a level and we expect to see a significant increase in demand.

“Clearly, we have a capacity, which since the launch of the web-based App we reach five or six nights a week and are close to it on the other nights.”

Voted best national truck stop of 2016 the venue has a big-screen sports bar and restaurant, cash machine, showers, laundry facili- ties, a gym and a truck repairs and wash service.

Darrell Healey, managing director of GSE Group, which owns and operates the Truckstop, said: “We have plans to extend and improve the facilities as part of a wider scheme to develop the Waterbrook Park site on which it sits.

“Those plans would increase the capacity and help us meet the growing demand we are seeing since the launch of the app.”

Mr Healey says this would have the added benefit for Ashford of helping reduce the number of illegally parked lorries around the town overnight, as drivers and fleet managers booking through the App know they are guaranteed a space.

He said: “This certainty is key to tackling illegal parking, which is often caused by drivers arriving on spec at official truckstops very close to the end of their permitted driving hours, only to find them full, meaning they pull up wherever they can to avoid breaking driving laws.”