As part of the announced Miljoenennota (annual budget document), the government has set aside 43 million euros for the development of truck parking infrastructure — an area that has been one of the major challenges for the TSL sector for many years. These funds will create new parking spaces and expand existing facilities.
This is the result of years of efforts by the TLN organization together with trade unions FNV and CNV, which have repeatedly pointed to the shortage of safe rest areas for drivers.
At the same time, the government’s decision also contains an element causing concern in the industry — the abolition of the wage and price growth compensation mechanism within the Mobiliteitsfonds. As TLN highlights, this could have severe consequences for key infrastructure investments, which are becoming more expensive due to inflation and rising material costs.
TLN: ‘Logistics is the foundation of the economy’
Elisabeth Post, chair of TLN, warns that a lack of investment in roads, bridges, and tunnels threatens to severely paralyze the sector:
Logistics is the backbone of the daily functioning of the Netherlands — from stocking supermarkets to enabling hospitals and businesses to operate. Further cuts in infrastructure, at a time when it urgently needs modernization, threaten the stability of the economy and society,’ Post emphasizes.
Parking as a step forward
Despite concerns about the future of infrastructure investments, TLN appreciates the government’s move regarding parking spaces.
This is a clear signal that drivers’ issues have been recognized. Now, it’s crucial to quickly implement these measures so that drivers can benefit from safe and well-equipped rest areas,” the organization highlights.
In the coming months, TLN has announced close collaboration with the ministry and local authorities to kickstart the investment process as soon as possible.
