The International Road Transport Union (IRU), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) have called on the European Commission to take stronger action to close the gap in safe and secure truck parking areas across the EU.
In a joint letter to European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, the three organisations stressed that the EU currently faces a shortfall of almost 390,000 safe parking spaces. If left unaddressed, the deficit is expected to reach 483,000 by 2040.
The letter emphasises that ensuring new facilities meet EU standards on comfort and security is essential, not only to improve drivers’ working and resting conditions but also to help tackle the growing driver shortage threatening EU supply chains and mobility.
Two key obstacles were identified. Firstly, many local and regional authorities remain reluctant to permit or support truck parking projects, particularly along transit corridors where trucks pass through without delivering locally. This often leads to delays or blockages at planning and permitting stages. According to the letter, EU leadership is needed to urge Member States and regions to prioritise planning and remove such barriers.
Secondly, the organisations stressed the importance of consistent EU co-funding to finance the construction and upgrading of parking areas. They argued that sustained support via the Connecting Europe Facility, complemented by national funding and private investment, is vital to deliver the infrastructure drivers require.
To move the issue forward, the IRU, ETF and ESPORG proposed creating an informal task force including representatives of the three organisations, experts from DG EMPL and DG MOVE, and European Commissioners. The group would aim to outline a European Commission strategy by next year, including measures to:
- improve driver wellbeing,
- motivate Member States to prioritise parking projects,
- remove local permitting barriers, and
- set a path towards a fully functional EU network of safe and secure truck parking areas by 2030.
The letter concludes with a call for the Commission’s continued engagement and support in advancing these objectives.
