IRU and its European partners are preparing to conclude a one-year long study aimed at defining common standards for safe and secure truck parking areas, to step up the development of this infrastructure across the EU.
The final event dedicated to this joint effort, organised this week by the European Commission, was the final opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and input, including a new comfort and security related standard for truck parking areas. The aim is to modernise the existing LABEL standard and to seek further alignment of the certification processes for truck parking areas in the EU. As a member of the research consortium, which carried out the study for the European Commission, IRU has been closely involved in this study which will be published by the end of the year.
Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s activities in the EU, said, “Despite several initiatives at EU and national level to set up more safe and secure truck parking areas, the road freight transport sector still faces an acute shortage of suitable truck parking areas in Europe.” He adds, “Drivers should be able to take their rests in a comfortable place that meet appropriate standards not having to worry about their own safety, their vehicle and its load. The EU and Governments should give much stronger priority to tackling cargo crime which costs €6-7 billion annually to the European economy. IRU and its Members are committed to support such efforts”.
IRU will welcome the integration of this new EU truck parking certification standard in the EU legislation as an incentive not only to establish more truck parking areas, but also to ensure that drivers benefit from safe and comfortable rest places.
Mr. Maedge further commented, “This new truck parking certification standard is urgently needed to improve the working conditions in our sector and to tackle the acute driver shortage problem in the EU. It is an opportunity not to be missed by governments and the private sector. The outcome of the study is also very timely as it can still provide EU legislators the necessary tools to embed the new standards in the on-going revision of the legislation on driving and rest times.”