Roadchef defends Clacket Lane parking hike

The operator of Clacket Lane services has defended the recent HGV parking price increase at the site, saying the rise is in line with "the market rate".

Roadchef was responding to criticism of its decision to increase the cost of 24-hour HGV parking at the facility between junctions 5 and 6 of the M25 - including a meal voucher - from £25 to £30.

A spokesman for Roadchef says: "At present, HGV drivers can park overnight at the site for £26, while for an additional £4 they can receive a £10 meal voucher.

"We believe that this is in line with the market."

However, Keith Luetchford, MD at Tilbury, Essex-based haulier Arcese UK, says the increase "cannot be justified", and the company has instructed its drivers not to park there.

Chrys Rampley, security and infrastructure manager at the RHA, believes Clacket Lane is now the most expensive service area in the UK for truck drivers to park.

She adds: "There is a captive audience at this site, with very little attention given to drivers, and there is no incentive for Roadchef to provide better security.

"The rise is definitely not in line with the market rate."