IRU joins drive to establish safe parking areas across the EU, and calls for an improved parking infrastructure to enable rest time rules to be respected.
Involving a number of transport partners, including the European Secure Parking Organisation, the year-long study is financed by the European Commission, and recognises the urgent need to set up sufficient safe and secure parking facilities across Europe, to allow drivers to take compulsory rest breaks.
Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s work in Europe, said: “There is an ongoing debate in Brussels on the future of driving and rest time rules with the issue of the availability of safe and secure parking places for truck drivers topping the agenda. We need to make sure that drivers are provided with suitable conditions before enforcing the rules. The Commission’s initiative is a good step in this direction and we are glad to be part of it.”
A database of parking areas in over 40 countries worldwide is available through IRU’s TRANSPark. This will be used in the framework of the study to build a comprehensive overview of current truck parking areas in Europe. The app lists security features for each parking area as well as available amenities for drivers. Based on this analysis, a common certification system for security levels in parking areas will be recommended.
Taking into account traffic flows and user requirements, the study will also include information on the conditions and business potential of establishing secure parking places for trucks.