Safe parking for trucks: new requirements for facilities in the EU
The EU has introduced new regulations that will modernize the infrastructure for the logistics industry. The region plans to install secure parking lots for trucks, which will help improve resting conditions for drivers.
According to the author of the project, the EU road network is underdeveloped for long-distance transportation. The region has a limited number of parking spaces that can provide the right level of safety and comfort for drivers. Therefore, the sector needs changes and, first of all, the revision of existing standards. The new standards will address access to equipped facilities not only for carriers but also for their loads. Now the operator will be able to choose the level of security that is necessary for his cargo.
The new rules are part of the Trans-European Transport Network modernization program. It involves providing modern parking facilities along with the TEN-T network. It is important that the facilities are located no more than 100 km from each other. The logistics sector is experiencing a shortage of experienced drivers. In order to retain them, it is important to create optimal working conditions and provide rest regimes and decent pay.
According to the proposed norms, parking facilities in the EU should be classified into four categories, depending on the value of the cargo:
– platinum;
– golden;
– bronze;
– silver.
The carrier can choose the best level of security for the goods. The level of parking security is determined by a number of parameters, such as the presence of entrances and exits, fences, and other features. Parking that belongs to the bronze classification is equipped with video surveillance in certain areas. Platinum has a staff that is present at the site around the clock. In addition, this type of parking provides a high level of security due to license plate recognition technology.
Separate attention is paid to the comfort of the drivers, the new parking lots should be equipped with everything necessary. The carriers will be provided with shower cabins, Internet, and grocery shopping points.
The problem of infrastructure development in the logistics sector has been observed for a long time. In 2019, the European Commission conducted a study, which revealed a shortage of parking for trucks. According to the report, there was a shortage of about 100 thousand facilities in the EU. There were 300,000 parking spaces in total, but only 7,000 of them were equipped according to all the rules. Then 117 million euros were allocated for the modernization of the transport sector, including the construction of new parking spaces. However, the program was delayed for several years, and there is still no solution to the problem of places for drivers.
Now the problem is becoming more and more urgent, as many companies are losing skilled workers because of it, and it is quite difficult to find new ones.
