The European Commission has allocated a new package of 60 million euros to develop the network of secure rest areas for industrial vehicles across the European Union. This funding, provided under the 2023 Connecting Europe Facility call, has been awarded to over ten projects in seven EU countries to build or improve truck parking facilities. This investment adds to the 141 million euros already allocated during the previous legislative term, which supported the development of around seventy truck rest areas across the EU. The Commission plans to announce an additional 320 million euros in funding by September 2024.
The IRU has expressed satisfaction with this measure and urges the Commission to develop a medium- and long-term plan to establish a comprehensive network of secure truck rest areas across the EU. The plan should address two key areas: firstly, adapting eligibility rules to better meet the specific needs of truck parking projects, facilitating the participation of small investors, parking operators, and interested transport companies. Secondly, incorporating promotion and training programs to help small entities understand and access EU funding opportunities.
Raluca Marian, Director of Advocacy at IRU EU, stated: "EU truck drivers suffer from a severe shortage of rest areas and rest facilities, which discourages many from entering this vital profession," adding that "this additional allocation of 60 million euros by the Commission is an important step in addressing the driver shortage crisis in the EU. By providing safe and secure parking options, we can improve drivers' working conditions and encourage more people to take up this profession."
