The study on safe and secure parking areas funded by the European Commission aims to identify gaps and explore policy actions to improve parking conditions across Europe.
The report highlights a critical shortage of secure parking areas (SSPAs) across Europe. While investments in new parking infrastructure continue, the demand-supply gap is expected to persist until 2040. Affordable upgrades to existing facilities, such as improving security levels from Bronze to Silver, alongside targeted public funding, could significantly accelerate market growth.
The report highlights the following shortcomings in its findings:
Cargo theft and security concerns
The security of parked vehicles is a paramount concern for road transport operators and drivers. A striking 85% of transport operators report theft or vandalism incidents when vehicles are parked in unsecured areas. This percentage significantly decreases to 41% in secured parking areas, highlighting the critical need for improved security measures. Cargo theft remains a prevalent issue, with incidents including fuel theft, cabin break-ins, and unauthorized passenger boarding for illegal immigration purposes. Violent robberies are also reported, which endanger the lives of drivers.
Shortages and distribution gaps
The unbalanced distribution of SSPAs across the EU exacerbates safety concerns. There is a shortage in available parking facilities, especially in high-density freight regions:
- Regional disparities: Many regions in the EU do not meet the required density of certified SSPAs, leaving drivers with limited options for secure resting spots. This scarcity worsens the issue of illegal parking, which increases risks of unsecure and unsafe breaks and rests for drivers.
- Demand-supply imbalance: The increasing demand for road freight transport underscores the pressing need for expanded parking infrastructure. The current supply fails to align with this anticipated growth, suggesting that immediate investment and certification of existing parking areas with safety and security features is necessary.
Challenges faced by professional drivers and implications for workforce and road safety
Professional drivers face day-to-day difficulties related to inadequate rest facilities, which impact their health, safety, and overall job satisfaction:
- Driver well-being: Thestruggle to find suitable and safe resting areas intensifie the fatigue and stress suffered by long-haul drivers. These factors contribute to compromised road safety, highlighting the urgent need for more SSPAs that support adequate rest periods.
- Gender-specific issues: Female drivers face additional challenges such as personal safety and hygiene needs that are not being adequately met by current facilities.
- This contributes to the workforce shortage in the road transport sector and impacts road safety:
- Recruitment and retention: The difficulties in recruiting and retaining drivers leads to an aging workforce and this is escalated by the inadequacies of SSPAs.
- Impact on road safety: fatigue and stress of drivers involves road safety concerns.
Technological and Innovative Challenges
The adoption of innovative solutions that could enhance security and efficiency is necessary:
- Data and real-time information: There is a notable lack of comprehensive data for route planning and parking reservation systems. Poor data management prevents drivers from accessing real-time information on available secure parking spaces.
- Connectivity issues: Many existing parking facilities lack the infrastructure required for modern intelligent transport systems. These systems, if implemented, could significantly ease the stress of finding safe parking in congested areas by offering real-time updates and reservations via digital platforms.
Addressing these challenges with strategic investments and policy adjustments is vital for improving the efficiency and security of the EU’s road transport sector and for enhancing the conditions and appeal of the profession for drivers.
The full analysis and recommendations are detailed in the main report, supported by two annexes:
Annex I: Covers mapping methodology, demand-supply analysis, and survey results from SSPAs and nearby hotels;
Annex II: Summarizes stakeholder consultations, including surveys, meetings, and ad-hoc events.
For more information, please see here.