CLECAT — 2025-12-05
News from Brussels
The European Commission has published a report highlighting the persistent shortage of suitable parking areas for professional drivers across the EU. While parking areas certified under the EU standards for Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs) provide effective protection for drivers and vehicles, their number remains low.
According to the recent EU study, the current shortfall amounts to 390,057 parking spaces across the Union, with the gap projected to increase to 483,000 spaces by 2040 due to rising demand for road transport services. This lack of secure facilities affects not only driver safety, security and well-being, but also the efficiency of logistics operations and overall road safety.
The Commission underlines that strategic investments and policy measures are required to address the growing deficit. Member States are obliged, by 31 December 2040, to ensure the development of certified SSTPAs along the core and extended core TEN-T network. Possible initiatives outlined in the report include the rapid upgrading of existing non-secure parking areas to meet at least the minimum safety and security requirements, the integration of SSTPA development into national transport plans, and increased financial support, including through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
The full report, shared with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, is available here.