Lorry drivers are facing “chaos” because of a shortage of parking and poor toilet facilities, a leading union has warned.
Unite said services and lorry parks in Kent have become “chronically overcrowded”, causing tensions among drivers.
If drivers do not comply with the rules they are clamped and fined even though they are legally obliged to take breaks, said the union.
Unite said its members are reporting that problems are getting worse as traffic increases and now affect services in other areas such as Essex.
Service stations are so overcrowded that drivers are forced to park overnight on double yellow lines on slip roads on the entrance and exit, in coach parks and on petrol garage forecourts, the union added.
Drivers have reported that overcrowding has become so severe that fights have broken out as vehicles become blocked in.
Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Drivers are facing months of further parking chaos and misery in Kent.
“There are simply not enough lorry parks and services being provided to meet the demands and needs of drivers.
“It is highly disturbing to learn that in extreme cases fights have broken out.
“The extra stress and tension that the Kent parking ban is having on drivers is an additional factor as to why so many are leaving the industry.
“The industry is already in crisis due to shortages of drivers and the Kent parking ban is making a bad situation worse.”
Unite called for moves to help lorry drivers park safely and have access to decent facilities.
