In a joint missive addressed to the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, key players in the transportation sector implore the European Commission to continue and intensify efforts in certifying, renovating, constructing, and funding safe parking areas within the European Union for the period of 2025-2027. The plea comes from the European Transport Workers' Federation (Eft), the International Road Transport Union (Iru), and the European Secure Parking Organization (Esporg). These entities underscore the importance of a network of safe parking not only to ensure cargo security but also to make the profession of truck drivers more appealing and sustainable, thereby helping to alleviate the chronic shortage of drivers in the EU.
Raluca Marian, Director of Advocacy at Iru in the EU, highlights how the recent EU funding allocated to these spaces marks a step forward, as well as a significant expansion opportunity. "Road transport is the backbone of EU industries. Attracting and retaining qualified drivers is essential for the sector's sustainability and efficiency," Marian asserts. Improving safety and hygiene standards in parking areas is therefore crucial to safeguarding drivers' health and well-being, thereby enhancing their working conditions.
Drik Penasse, General Director of Esporg, reiterates the call to the European Commission to continue co-financing for these areas and to develop a medium- and long-term vision in collaboration with key industry stakeholders. Penasse also emphasizes the importance of adapting eligibility rules to allow all actors, including smaller investors and interested transport companies, to benefit from EU funds.
Meanwhile, Cristina Tilling, Head of Land Transport at Etf, underscores the critical nature of safe rest areas for drivers' well-being: "Drivers require adequate rest and facilities for effective recovery, especially considering the widespread issue of fatigue, which poses a significant risk to road safety."
