Truck stop unveils new facilities after £2m revamp

David Hatherell (left) runs the family business and knows his customers such as Harling (right) well

More lorry drivers can now book to rest at an expanded and improved truck stop.

National Highways has partly funded the £2m project at Chippenham Pit Stop, an independent business just off of J17 of the M4.

Going from 89 to 152 lorry bays, more drivers will now have somewhere to sleep and also have healthier food options and an all-weather gym.

Harling, who had just driven six hours from Yorkshire for the opening, said: "They are the template and we need more of these."

"To be able to come somewhere like the pitstop and get that home welcome, it's a massive thing.

"You can book in here and secure a place. Psychologically, it's absolutely massive," said Harling.

"I really value the time, effort and passion that's gone into making this pitstop what it is," he added.

Drivers will be able to book a space ahead of time, knowing they have somewhere safe to stop

Managing director of the family business, David Hatherell, said: "We recognise that drivers need somewhere that's a home from home during the week."

He explained it took four years to happen and they also invested in the restaurant, kitchen, toilets and showers.

Chippenham Pitstop is already a place that regular motorists stop at too.

With 152 spaces now available, Chippenham Pit Stop will also get more business in the cafe and shop

"As a family firm, we take enormous pride in the service and facilities we offer and previously, when we were so often full it was horrible to see a disappointed driver leave to look for a layby to park in," said Mr Hatherell.

One of the other additions to the two-acre extension are charging points for refrigerated lorries - this means drivers will not need to keep noisy diesel engines running overnight.

National Highways put more than £720,000 into the project, part of the £13m Lorry Parking Facilities Improvement Fund.

The new facility was officially opened on Thursday.

Elliot Shaw, National Highways chief customer and strategy officer, said they were proud to unveil it as it provides "safer spaces for drivers to rest and recharge, reducing the risks of unsafe roadside parking, and making roads safer for everyone".

The Pit Stop has been praised by the Road Haulage Association as setting the benchmark when it comes to customer care.