There is a significant shortage of secure freight truck parking facilities along European roads. In an effort to assist investors, the European Commission provides CEF financing (Connecting Europe Facility). “The goal is to establish a robust European network of secure truck parking facilities,” says Peter Hermans of TotalEnergies. This year, they secured this financing from Europe for the development of secure truck parking along the E40 in Jabbeke. A similar initiative took place in 2015 with the parking facilities in Kalken and Kruisem along the E17.
Insufficient Safe Parking Facilities in Europe
European truck drivers face inadequate parking facilities, forcing them to resort to insecure parking or even emergency lanes. “This exposes drivers, as well as other road users, to risks such as accidents, cargo thefts, or individuals attempting to enter the trucks,” explains Peter Hermans. “On the other hand, there is also a need for more attention to the comfort of drivers. They are entitled to secure and comfortable infrastructure, allowing them to take their mandatory breaks without worries and in good conditions. We sought a better understanding of our customers’ needs and received guidance from ESPORG.”
Six Secured Truck Parking Facilities
“With ESPORG’s advice in mind and in collaboration with regional authorities, TotalEnergies has established six secure truck parking facilities in Belgium, meeting the European standard for secure parking,” Hermans adds. Currently, there are two on the E411 in Wanlin, one in Hognoul in the Liège region, two on the E17 in Kruisem, and one in Kalken. Two more secured truck parking facilities are under construction on the E40 in Jabbeke. “Towards the coast, an area sensitive to transmigration issues, we aim for a gold security level, and towards the inland, there will be a parking facility with a silver security level. We also considered the drivers’ rest, with a sound barrier installed between the parking and the highway.”
Two Major Challenges
“As an operator of a secure truck parking facility, you face two major challenges. One is the economic feasibility of the project, striking a balance between parking costs and occupancy rates on one hand, and significant investment and operating costs on the other. Too often, we find that transport companies are unwilling to pay for secure truck parking and resort to ‘wild parking.’ We try to accommodate transporters by refunding a portion of the parking fee in the form of a voucher that they can spend in the shop or restaurant. On the other hand, vandalism to the infrastructure is also a significant problem. Parking facilities targeted by human smugglers frequently experience damage to fences and other security infrastructure.”
“The same drivers come here regularly, so after a while, you see many familiar faces. They never have complaints and are always in good spirits when they stand at my cash register. With our smiles, we try to make this a home away from home for them.”
Checkout Cashier Ellen
“There aren’t many secure parking facilities nearby, and we definitely notice the busyness here. The parking lot has space for about 90 trucks. Every evening from around five o’clock, on weekends and holidays, the parking is almost fully occupied. Among the visitors, we mainly see Poles, Romanians, and Bulgarians, although there are also occasional Dutch or French trucks that take a short break here. In most cases, it’s the transport companies or their clients who decide whether a truck should be on a secure parking facility. Usually, this is related to the value of their cargo. But we actually never know what’s inside.”
Ilya Michiels, Team Leader at TotalEnergies Kalken
Parking Meets EU Parking Standards
Drivers are entitled to secure and comfortable infrastructure
The European standard for safe and secure parking lots consists of four security levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. “Our parking in Kalken meets the gold security level. This means there are fences over 1.8 meters high, the lighting intensity around the parking lot is 25 lux, and there is surveillance cameras along the entire perimeter of the parking lot. Furthermore, 24/7 contact can be made with an accredited security firm, the access barriers have motion detectors against intruders, and the parking lot is equipped with license plate recognition. Strict requirements also exist for service infrastructure. Toilets and showers must be available for both men and women, there must be an internet connection, snacks and drinks must be available 24/7, and there should be an electricity connection for drivers’ personal use.”
TotalEnergies Kalken, Jabbeke, and Kruisem benefited from CEF financing from the European Commission. “In a project proposal, we had to demonstrate that our project contributes to European objectives and priorities regarding safe truck parking lots. The strategic location was crucial here, as the goal is to efficiently establish a strong European network of secure truck parking facilities,” continues Hermans.
Electrification of Trucks Fits the Picture
“The electrification of trucks is still in its infancy today but will become a significant market in the future. Secure truck parking facilities, combined with service stations, are perfect locations to install charging infrastructure for these trucks. Fast chargers on the forecourt of the service station can be perfectly combined with slow chargers at secure parking facilities, where drivers make longer stops or overnight stays. Of course, there are also some challenges, as we are talking about substantial investments both in trucks and in charging stations.”
Everyone on the Same Page
“The great advantage is that all parties recognize the importance of secure truck parking and are on the same page. Both the European Commission and the regions, as well as the transport and insurance sectors, energy suppliers, and operators of truck parking facilities, want to collaborate to make the parking facilities along European roads safer. Such collaboration naturally leads to quick results,” says General Manager Dirk Penasse of ESPORG.
“This is the second time I’m here in Kalken. The parking is very safe and clean. Facilities like the toilet, showers, recycling points, and the shop are excellent. I will definitely come back!”
Truck Driver Victor from Ukraine
“I drive a fixed route between Germany and the United Kingdom, so I regularly spend a night in this parking lot. I am very satisfied here and always come back with pleasure.”
Truck Driver Sandi from Romania
ESPORG Can Help
ESPORG is a European association for organizations involved in truck parking facilities. The organization brings together various stakeholders to help improve services for logistics and transport companies towards drivers. We are available to provide information and coaching on:
• Financing options;
• Secure truck parking facilities;
• Truck parking facilities aiming for higher security levels;
• Shippers;
• Logistics operators;
• Truck drivers;
• Driver representatives;
• Hardware and software suppliers.
The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of TotalEnergies and ESPORG, respectively, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.
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