The UK’s Top Truck Stop Hosts Transport Minister

After Ashford International Truckstop was named the Best Truck Stop of the Year 2026 by business group Logistics UK, a Minister at the Department for Transport decided it would be a great place to start a national fact-finding tour.

Keir Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, visited Ashford International Truckstop and saw how the 660-space, 24-7 truck stop provides drivers with industry-leading welfare facilities, as well as safe and secure parking with easy access to Junction 10a of the M20 and the Channel ports and M25.

Keir Mather MP said: “It was great to see how Ashford International Truckstop is setting the standard for driver welfare, with high-quality facilities like private rooms, a gym and laundry, and it’s fantastic to see them being recognised for their brilliant work.

“As we work to unlock economic growth across the country, we want the freight sector to be an attractive career choice for younger generations. This investment and ambition shows exactly how businesses can help push us toward that goal, making every journey a little better for drivers.”

Operating consistently at full capacity, the team at Ashford International Truckstop gave the Minister a tour of the dedicated driver facilities, which have more in common with the best motorway service stations than the average truck stop. The Ashford team had the opportunity to outline their plans to replicate their award-winning success by developing another one on the A20 at the Capel Interchange, the closest junction to the Port of Dover.

Commenting on the Minister’s visit, Darren Smith, Operations Director at Ashford International Truckstop, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the benchmark for how all UK truck stops should operate and support freight customers and drivers.

“With an ageing driver population, recruiting and retaining drivers is an ongoing challenge for the freight industry, an issue recognised by operators as well as Logistics UK and Road Haulage Association. It was great to hear that the Minister is committed to helping tackle the issue as a way of stimulating economic growth. Improving driver welfare is critical to attracting new drivers to the industry.”

The Minister saw the truck stop’s retail store, restaurant, bar, games rooms, gym and laundry, all offering the 24/7 facilities needed by lorry drivers.

Darrell Healey, Chair of GSE Group, which operates Ashford International Truckstop, said: “It was great to welcome the Minister and to literally show him that “If you build it, they will come”.

“With the lessons learnt here at the UK’s largest truck stop, and with 75 per cent of all cross-Channel HGV traffic using the M20 or A20, we know that replicating the model so close to Dover will make a strategic contribution to the economy of Kent – and the UK – and meet the need for more safe and secure lorry parking.”

High on the Minister’s agenda was the issue of vehicle and driver safety. Ashford International Truckstop is the only site in the South East to have achieved the national Park Mark Freight standard. The police-endorsed safety accreditation for truck stops and lorry parks in the UK signifies high standards in security, management, facilities and customer service to combat cargo theft and improve driver experience. Ashford International Truckstop has won the award for three consecutive years.

For further information on the truck stop visit ashfordtruckstop.co.uk.