Esporg Conference 2025
New Study Highlights Urgent Need for Safe and Secure Truck Parking in Europe
The ESPORG Annual Conference, held on March 5, 2025, brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of safe and secure truck parking across Europe. The event featured high-level discussions on crime and illegal migration related to truck parking, the role of authorities in developing Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs).
A key highlight of the event was the official presentation of the new European Commission study on the availability of secure parking facilities. Conducted in collaboration with Panteia and TIS, this comprehensive study identifies critical gaps in infrastructure, security challenges, and strategic recommendations to expand and improve parking facilities across the EU.
Other highlights from the Conference:
✅ The Impact of Crime & Illegal Migration on Truck Parking – Carl De Caluwé, Governor of West Flanders, provided insights into the security threats faced at truck parking facilities, emphasizing the need for strengthened safety measures;
✅ Insights from a Professional Driver – Caroline Baugniet, former professional truck driver and TV personality, shared her firsthand experience of the challenges faced by truck drivers, reinforcing the need for better infrastructure, safety, and driver well-being initiatives.
The panel discussion focused on how the industry and authorities can collaborate to develop SSPAs included various participants, such as:
🔹 Rodrigo Moltó Martin (Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible, Spain)
🔹 Godfried Smit (ESC – European Shippers Council)
🔹 Frank Moreels (ETF – European Transport Workers Federation)
🔹 Marco Digioia (UETR – European Road Haulers Association)
🔹 Cedric Vigneau (Moeve)
🔹 Dirk Penasse (ESPORG)
Key Findings from the Study
The study, which gathered insights from 1,400 drivers and companies and engaged numerous industry stakeholders, revealed several pressing issues:
- Parking Shortages: The EU faces a shortfall of 390,057 parking spaces, projected to grow to 483,000 by 2040;
- High Demand for Security: Cargo theft and vandalism are widespread, with many facilities lacking fencing, surveillance, and controlled access;
- Many existing facilities could achieve bronze or silver certification according to the EU Delegated Regulation 1012/2022 with minor security and infrastructure improvements;
- Inclusivity and Driver Well-being Matter: Gender-sensitive solutions, such as reserved spaces for female drivers and enhanced security measures, are needed to attract a more diverse workforce and improve driver welfare.
Recommendations for Action
To address these gaps, the study proposes the following key actions:
- Expand Parking Infrastructure – Encourage upgrades of existing facilities and build new SSPAs along major transport routes;
- Enhance Security Standards – Implement uniform security requirements across Member States and increase the certification of parking areas;
- Leverage Technology – Introduce real-time digital reservation platforms and intelligent transport systems (ITS);
- Prioritize Driver Well-being – Improve amenities, create gender-inclusive rest facilities, and offer career development programs;
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships – Increase co-funding opportunities to accelerate infrastructure investment.
ESPORG General Manager Dirk Penasse highlighted the industry’s commitment to improving truck parking conditions, with initiatives such as:
- The development of voluntary green standards for truck parking areas;
- A long-term driver well-being campaign, which has already attracted 30+ industry partners.
The ESPORG Annual Conference underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts, by fostering strong public-private partnerships and implementing strategic infrastructure and security improvements.
We look forward to continuing our cooperation with all stakeholders to drive progress and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for truck parking in the EU.
If you missed the event, you can watch the video message from the Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikōstas, the Wellbeing Campaign pledge, and view the conference photos here: https://lnkd.in/dBppqaXv
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