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CLECAT, jointly with DSLV and associations representing insurance companies, secure parking operators and road transport operators, underlined the urgent need to move forward with the construction of new Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs) in the EU and a harmonised EU SSTPA Standard, with clear and unambiguous rules on security, safety and comfort levels for these SSTPAs. With this in mind, the signatories strongly supported the announcement for future funding for SSTPAs through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF II).

Truck drivers in Europe are often confronted with insufficient parking capacity or inadequate facilities, as well as a lack of information on such facilities. As a result of this, they often have no other option than to park in non-secured zones or unsafe locations. At the same time, it can be observed that cargo theft in Europe continues to increase, putting drivers at risk and exposing companies to losses. In view of this critical situation for drivers and businesses, the EU SSTPA Standard is urgently needed to address the demand for truck parking areas in the EU, by offering sufficient, quality and secure parking facilities for drivers, which will contribute to making the profession more attractive.

The Signatories expressed their full support for the EU SSTPA Standard and its codification into EU law through a Delegated Act in the remit of the EU Driving and rest time rules, as part of Mobility Package 1. A harmonised EU Standard, containing clear and unambiguous rules on security, safety and comfort levels, will be key to successfully address the current shortcomings and will be the best way forward for Europe, to resolutely improve driver’s security and working conditions. The EU standard should enhance transparency, build trust and facilitate private sector investments for SSTPAs, as they will be eligible to CEF funding, provided they fulfil the EU SSTPA Standards.

The undersigned associations and their members, being operators, service providers, users and other stakeholders of secure parking areas, have a keen interest in advancing the standards for safe and secure truck parking areas in Europe, and look forward to further cooperation with the European Commission's DG MOVE in view of implementing the upcoming SSTPA Delegated Act.

To meet the EU’s demand for parking areas, there is an urgent need for more funding to support the new SSTPAs along the TEN-T network. The new funding call within the Connecting Europe Facility is instrumental to secure investments in smart, sustainable and safe mobility in the EU. Considering the high investment costs for secure parking areas, it is essential that sufficient funding is allocated to the construction of new SSTPAs, as well as the upgrading of existing ones. Combined with the harmonised user-friendly EU SSTPA standard, appropriate funding will be essential to incentivise new investments to counter the existing shortage of SSTPAs along the TEN-T core and comprehensive network.