In my current job, one of my regular jobs is collecting from Western Docks in Southampton. Last Thursday night, I thought I would park in the truck stop on First Avenue (just a stone’s throw away from gate 20 to the docks), but then thought against it, because the approach to it was pitch black and didn’t think that it would be very safe. So, I decided to park up instead on Third Avenue (adjacent to Millbrook Road West) outside Goals on the single yellow line section (8am-6pm parking restriction) due to the close proximity of a Co-Op and a chippy just across the road. But I noticed that I was the only wagon parked up for the night along that stretch of road.
Are there any other drivers that regularly overnight on Third Avenue?
And any experiences of the truckstop on First Avenue?
I’ve stayed at the “Cartland commercials” truckstop before.
The facilities there are good and clean, the cook does daily specials, there’s even a multi gym and free WiFi (the WiFi password is on the notice board near the showers). It does get busy, so I’d suggest phoning ahead to ensure you get a ■■■■■■■■■■■■. The only possible negatives are the occasional reefer, and although good the showers only have a curtain but no door on the cubicle of the 2 showers much like my shower at home is in the corner of the room, so if your a little shy you might not like someone in the next cubicle seeing you strip for a shower. When I leave the truckstop in a morning I’ve noticed a few trucks parked on 1st avenue but the local businesses have signs up saying no parking outside their premises so on street spaces are limited
I think the reason why you were the only truck is because of the roadworks on Millbrook roundabout, as the route most drivers are taking into the docks is right at texaco and past goals.
And as im from Southampton i have no experience of the truckstop.
It’s a decent little truck stop. Stopped there many a time. The key word there being “little” truck stop. I’ve got parked up there at half 7pm before with spaces still left after me, but then at the same time I’ve turned up at 5pm and they’ve struggled to squeeze me in then everyone after been turned away. Decent truck stop, just small capacity.