The analysis of VEDA, German Association of Highway Inn Managers leaves no doubt. No parking spaces for trucks is a serious problem. The current strategy needs to change to fight it.
We don’t have to remind you that the largest transit country in Europe doesn’t have enough parking spaces. You know this problem well from your own experience. The real fight begins during breaks. If, however, despite best efforts you cannot park in the permitted area, you have to save yourself from getting a fine by stopping in less convenient and quite often more dangerous conditions… (parking lots at supermarkets, roadsides, access roads, entries and exits from the so-called “autohofs”).
VEDA, German Association of Highway Inn Managers, highlights the plight of motorists in the country and criticises the approach used by the country and the lands.
According to their analysis German lacks as much as 31 thousands parking spaces. This result is based on the analysis of the updated data about the state of parking lots for trucks, reports of relevant authorities from all of the lands and the federal authorities, as well as night census carried out on selected road sections outside the official parking lots.
A change of the strategy is necessary
To meet the current needs, without taking into account the increase in traffic but taking into account the current rate at which new parking lots are being created, it will take 20 years. Every year an average of 1500 new parking spaces is being created. This number dropped significantly due to the exhaustion of the potential which allowed investors to simplify legal procedures. “Most often relatively small parking lots are being created with many years of effort” – stress the members of the association.
According to VEDA what Germany needs is a change of strategy and creation of autohofs outside the motorways. Otherwise, the country will still be struggling with the lack of parking lots over the next decade. As emphasised by the members of the association, parking lots outside of highways will be cheaper by an average of 50 thousand euros each.
Useful apps
In regions where finding a parking space is more complex, apps that help drivers find free parking spaces can be very useful. One such solution is a free app called TransParking.eu. It will not only show the nearest free parking space but also provide more detailed information about the facilities in the parking lot.
The app can be downloaded HERE >>>
Editorial team comment
In Germany drivers face a serious problem of the lack of parking spaces every day. They can only dream of well-lit, safe car parks with many facilities and night’s sleep in decent conditions. Sometimes it is difficult to adhere to the work and rest periods from regulations. Meanwhile, since a couple of months ago German regulations prohibit spending the 45-hour break in the cabin, ignoring the reality. Isn’t it absurd?
How do you deal with searching for a place to rest in Germany?