The Highways Agency has been criticised over its decision to close lay-bys used by trucks on the A2, with effect from Monday 7th January 2013.

Road Haulage Association parking and security manager Chrys Rampley said: “The announcement on January 3rd was unacceptable on two counts. The decision was made without any consultation with the road haulage industry and the closures were imposed with just a few days’ notice.

“The RHA has a constructive engagement on truck parking issues with the Department for Transport, centrally and with devolved and local roads authorities. Indeed, we have a positive relationship with the Highways Agency on some issues but that is undermined by unilateral decisions made with little or no notice which can have a significant impact on trucks operators.

“We are seeking an assurance from the Highways Agency that there will in future be stronger consultation on these issues as a matter of policy,” Rampley said.

The reason given for the closures, which carry a trial period of 18 months, is road safety.