Truck drivers in Wolfsburg’s industrial estate can now benefit from the city’s first Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) park, officially opened in the Heinenkamp Ost area on September 26, 2023, following nine months of construction.
The newly launched HGV park has received a Platinum Level classification, ensuring that it complies with rigorous European Union standards. It offers a variety of services and amenities aimed at enhancing the overall experience for truck drivers, at least according to the operator.
Photo credits @ Dipl. Ing. (TU) Kai Kronschnabel
Situated within the Heinenkamp Ost industrial estate, this facility boasts 42 secure parking spaces, enclosed by fencing and equipped with access control. The premises are well-lit at night, prioritizing safety for both vehicles and drivers.
One notable feature is the provision of separate shower facilities for male and female truck drivers, along with “complimentary soap”.
Additionally, the park offers restroom facilities for visitors.
Within the park’s social area, a vending machine provides snacks and beverages, including coffee priced at one euro.
Photo credits @ Dipl. Ing. (TU) Kai Kronschnabel
For those seeking outdoor relaxation, there is a barbecue area where drivers can unwind.
Photo credits @ Dipl. Ing. (TU) Kai Kronschnabel
The park’s availability can be checked in real-time on the official website before commencing a journey.
Locals were fed up with urine bottles and disturbances
The need for a dedicated HGV park in Wolfsburg’s Heinenkamp II industrial area had been a longstanding concern, with planning efforts spanning several years. The park’s inauguration signifies a significant step toward addressing the challenging truck parking situation throughout the industrial estate.
This initiative was made possible through the new federal government program, “Guidelines for Promoting Private Investors in Creating Additional Truck Parking Spaces near Highway Access Points.” According to the investor, there is a shortage of 333 truck parking spaces in the region.
Before the park’s construction, citizens and businesses had raised concerns about littering, including bottles filled with urine and waste along the roadside, as well as disruptions and hazards caused by truck drivers who, due to the lack of nearby rest areas, resorted to parking and resting in various parts of the Heinenkamp industrial area. Efforts such as police checks had proven ineffective in addressing these issues.
Photo credits @ Dipl. Ing. (TU) Kai Kronschnabel
Mayor Dennis Weilmann acknowledged the challenges posed by 90 days of rain during the 270-day construction period and praised the investment of a total of 1.8 million euros in the project. He expressed hope that the park’s opening would lead to a reduction in unauthorized and wild parking in the area.
The park also has plans to install twelve electric vehicle charging points, although the timing for this is dependent on reaching an agreement with the network operator and demand. In the future, the investor, Kai Kronschnabel, has expressed interest in adding photovoltaic modules to the park’s facilities.