IRU’s call for EU funding for safe and secure truck parking areas pays off: Europe’s first Dekra Platinum certified truck park opens in Romania.
Travel Centres of Europe is the first secure truck parking area in Europe to be awarded the prestigious Dekra Platinum certification.
The car park is strategically located near the Romanian border with Hungary along a main corridor at the Orțișoara/Seceani exit of the A1 motorway in Timiș County, Romania.
The facility was inaugurated by ITU member, the National Union of Road Transport Drivers of Romania (UNTRR), embodying the innovative spirit and commitment to excellence within the ITU community.
The IRU campaign secured €750 million from the EU budget for the development and improvement of safe and secure car parks. This funding enabled investment in the first Dekra Platinum certified truck parking in Europe.
Building a strong network of safe and secure truck parking areas across Europe would contribute to the prosperity of the European transport sector while improving working conditions for drivers and enhancing road safety.
Feature Highlights
24/7 Security: The entire parking lot is secured 24/7 by trained personnel dedicated to video surveillance. Around 160 cameras are installed, providing comprehensive video surveillance with vehicle registration number recognition. 86 Parking Spaces: There are 13 spaces designated for refrigerated vehicles. They are equipped with three-phase sockets for refrigeration units. Amenities: The parking area includes toilets, showers, washers and dryers, a restaurant and a shop. Commitment to Sustainability: The facility is powered by wind energy. Charging Stations: There are two electric vehicle charging stations outside the secure area. Each has a capacity of 185 kW. Highest Standards: Dekra certification represents compliance with the stringent European safety standards set by EU regulations. The Dekra Platinum certification ensures that the parking area has the highest level of security and safety.
No parking
The lack of safe and secure truck parking areas across Europe is a major problem.
According to a 2019 study by the European Commission, there are 300,000 truck parking spaces in the EU, with a significant shortfall of 100,000 spaces to meet total demand. Only 7,000 spaces, or less than 3% of current EU parking spaces, are in safe and approved areas.
The Commission is currently updating its 2019 study, based on a strong recommendation from the International Road Transport Union.
Europe desperately needs more safe and secure parking spaces. In 2022, the EU has allocated €750 million to build safe and secure parking spaces, spread evenly over three years.
The latest call for proposals has significantly improved eligibility requirements, resulting in a more flexible call for funding for safe and secure parking across the EU and expanding its geographical scope, the IRU has called for.
Funding covers the development of new, safe and secure parking areas, the upgrading of existing areas, and efforts to enhance the dissemination of information about parking, including its availability, location and prices.
With the budget set to expire in 2024, with the final deadline expected to be this fall, the IRU is counting on the EU’s incoming political leadership to ensure this important area of driver welfare continues to be funded.
The shortage of drivers is a chronic problem facing the road transport sector. Improving working and comfort conditions for the profession is essential to retain and attract more drivers.
