On 24 Apr 24 • by John Loughran • with Comments are closed The EU needs more safe and secure truck stops
Employers, unions and parking operators are urging the European Commission to maintain a focused approach to adopting, modernizing, building and financing safe truck parking areas in the EU over the next three years. In a joint letter addressed to European Union Transport Commissioner Adina Valian, the European Commission announced…
Employers, unions and parking operators are urging the European Commission to maintain a focused approach to adopting, modernizing, building and financing safe truck parking areas in the EU over the next three years.
in Joint letter addressed to EU Transport Commissioner Adena ValianThe European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the European Safe Parking Organization (ESPORG) have called on the European Commission to continue its efforts to co-finance secure truck parking areas (SSTPAs) in Europe for the period 2025-2027.
Creating a safe parking network is a strategic response to address the driver shortage in the EU by making the profession more attractive and viable for current and potential drivers. Safe and secure parking is essential to enhancing drivers’ well-being and ensuring they have the support and infrastructure needed to achieve professional success.
The three organizations call for the further modernization and development of new, more sustainable and connected SSTPAs, which will contribute to the establishment of a truly European network.
IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian He said: “Although we are encouraged by the recent allocation of EU funding for safe truck parking areas, there is significant opportunity to expand this network across the EU.
“Road transport is the backbone of industries in the European Union. Attracting and retaining skilled drivers is vital to the sustainability and efficiency of the sector. Ensuring minimum standards of safety and sanitation in parking spaces is crucial to protecting the health and well-being of professional drivers, thus improving their working conditions and making the profession more attractive.
“We urge Member States, regional and local authorities to give priority to the working conditions of our drivers, as well as the safety and security of goods. She added: “We are optimistic that the next EU Transport Commissioner will continue to build on the strong support provided by Commissioner Valian and will continue to strengthen our efforts to improve these essential facilities.”
ESPORG General Manager Drake Benassi “We call on the European Commission to continue co-financing efforts for SSTPAs as well as to develop a medium- and long-term vision in partnership with key industry stakeholders,” he said.
““These efforts must be coupled with the adaptation of eligibility rules, including promotional and training programmes, to allow all stakeholders, especially small investors, interested parking and ground transport companies, to benefit from EU funding,” he added.
Christina Tilling, Head of Land Transport at the ETF He said: “Safe and secure parking areas are extremely important to the well-being of drivers. Drivers need adequate rest and facilities for effective recovery, especially given the prevailing problem of driver fatigue, which poses a major risk to road safety.
“She added that the European Commission’s commitment to a long-term political vision for high-level SSTPAs will contribute significantly to improving working conditions and ensuring better safety standards.
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