Guest
Nyheder og opdateringer • 4 min læsning

Hvordan britisk infrastrukturfinansiering kan påvirke mobilitetsindustrien

Oprettet: 02.07.2025

Opdateret: 03.07.2025

Efter mange år med ujævne investeringer og stigende trængsel har den britiske regering forpligtet sig til at bruge mere end 700 milliarder pund på infrastruktur i løbet af det næste årti - meget af det er øremærket til landets veje. Fra nye godskorridorer til banebrydende digitale trafiksystemer kan den 10-årige infrastrukturstrategis indvirkning på erhvervschauffører og den bredere mobilitetsindustri blive transformerende.

Vejene er ved at nå bristepunktet

Vejene er kun en del af Storbritanniens transportmix - men de transporterer langt størstedelen af varerne. [Ifølge regeringsdata (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67dd4f03c6194abe97358bf6/dft-investment-management-srn-25-26.pdf#:~:text=create%20jobs%20and%20housing%20and,at%20the%20end%20of%20March) transporteres 81 % af den indenlandske fragt og 75 % af importen og eksporten ad vejene, hvilket gør dem til rygraden i den britiske logistik og økonomi.

Og på trods af at det kun udgør lidt over to procent af Storbritanniens vejnet i længde, transporterer Strategic Road Network (SRN) 34 procent af alle vejtransporter - herunder mange af de mest tidsfølsomme godsruter med stor volumen. For de chauffører, der bruger dem, har deres tilstand og kapacitet en direkte indvirkning på sikkerhed, effektivitet og leveringsevne.

Data fra Road Condition Index (RCI) viser dog, at omkring 24.500 miles - mere end hver 10. mil - af vejnettet i England og Wales sandsynligvis vil kræve vedligeholdelse i løbet af de næste 12 måneder.

En række nylige nødlukninger af broer har yderligere afsløret, hvor sårbart netværket er blevet. I nogle områder har revnede støttestrukturer og årtier gammel beton skabt farlige forhold for alle trafikanter - især lastbiler, som ofte er de første, der bliver udsat for vægtbegrænsninger eller tvungen omdirigering.

Regeringen har reageret med en ny fond på 1 milliard pund til reparation og genopbygning af nedslidte broer, overkørsler og viadukter som en del af sin infrastrukturstrategi. Det er et velkomment skridt - og et, der afspejler et voksende pres fra branchen. For professionelle chauffører kan det betyde færre omveje, færre pludselige restriktioner og mindre tid, der går tabt på grund af infrastruktur, som ikke er egnet til moderne logistik.

Men sikkerhed handler ikke kun om at undgå katastrofale fejl. Det handler også om langsigtet robusthed - at sikre, at veje, broer og rastepladser vedligeholdes ordentligt, før de bliver til farer. Dette fornyede fokus på vedligeholdelse signalerer, at vejvedligeholdelsen endelig kan begynde at matche omfanget, størrelsen og hastigheden af de køretøjer, der er afhængige af den.

Problemet med huller i vejen

Mens højt profilerede projekter dominerer annonceringerne, er det ofte den daglige tilstand af vejbelægningen, der har den største indvirkning på chaufførerne. For dem, der arbejder med transport, er huller i vejen mere end en gene - de er en vedvarende sikkerhedsrisiko og en dyr byrde.

Gentagen eksponering for ujævne overflader øger slitagen på lastbiler, beskadiger dæk og affjedring og bidrager til træthed hos chaufføren. I nogle tilfælde har skader fra huller i vejen tvunget køretøjer væk fra vejen for at foretage nødreparationer, hvilket har forstyrret leverancer og påvirket aftaler om serviceniveau.

For bilister er risikoen personlig. Forsøg på at undgå huller i vejen - især på smalle eller trafikerede veje - kan føre til farlige manøvrer. Tilføj dårligt vejr, begrænset belysning eller stramme leveringsplaner, og indsatsen stiger.

Som en del af sin bredere infrastruktursatsning har regeringen afsat [1,6 milliarder pund] (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-tells-councils-to-prove-action-on-pothole-plague-to-unlock-extra-cash-and-reveals-48bn-for-major-roads) som en del af Plan for Change til at opgradere lokal infrastruktur, herunder huller i vejene, revnede overflader og nedslidte kørebaner. Målet er at bringe vejene op på en mere sikker og pålidelig standard - især på godstunge ruter.

Det løser ikke problemet fra den ene dag til den anden, men det markerer et skift i prioriteterne - en anerkendelse af, at førerens velfærd starter med det grundlæggende, og at en sikker og behagelig rejse afhænger af velholdte veje.

For flåderne betyder det bl.a. færre uplanlagte reparationer, færre forsikringskrav og mindre nedetid for chaufførerne. For chaufførerne betyder det færre rystelser, mindre stress og en ting mindre at bekymre sig om på en lang vagt.

Et pålideligt netværk

Chaufførernes velfærd er i centrum for moderne transportsamtaler. Lange arbejdstider, forsinkede tidsplaner og utilstrækkelige faciliteter har sat sine spor. Men regeringens seneste planer giver håb om et mere sikkert og bedre forbundet netværk.

Overalt i Storbritannien har chaufførfaciliteterne haft svært ved at følge med efterspørgslen. Parkeringsmulighederne er ofte begrænsede, servicen er presset, og mange rastepladser mangler komfort og sikkerhed - især til langdistancekørsel. Derfor er regeringen også i gang med at [forbedre køremiljøet] (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-than-14-million-in-joint-government-and-industry-funding-to-boost-innovation-and-working-conditions-in-freight): mere sikker parkering, bedre velfærdsfaciliteter og planlægningsreformer for at fremskynde udviklingen af nye steder.

Samtidig accelererer investeringerne i opladnings- og optankningscentre for el- og brintlastbiler. Moto har f.eks. forpligtet sig til at installere over 300 elektriske opladere til lastbiler på 23 motorvejsstrækninger, mens Ashford Truckstop er ved at blive omdannet til et stort opladningsknudepunkt for gods på tværs af kanalen. Disse faciliteter handler ikke kun om at holde køretøjerne i gang - de handler om at give chaufførerne sikre, veludstyrede steder at hvile og genoplade sig selv.

Hvis dine chauffører leder efter et sikkert sted at stoppe, giver vores intruck-app dem mulighed for at identificere og booke rastepladser i hele Storbritannien og Europa. [Find ud af mere og download den her] (https://intruckapp.com/)

Omkostningerne ved trængsel

Trafikpropper, uforudsigelige ruter og pres for at nå leveringsvinduer bidrager til stress og træthed hos chaufførerne - og de gør vejen til et farligere sted at være.

Store infrastrukturopgraderinger som Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling og M60 Simister Island forbedringer er designet til at reducere trængsel og mindske risikoen for ulykker på nogle af Storbritanniens mest berygtede knudepunkter.

Derudover er der stadig et pres for at indføre digitale værktøjer, der understøtter sikrere og mere gnidningsløse rejser. Trafikalarmer i realtid, smarte detektionssystemer og bedre trafikstyring vil hjælpe flådechefer og chauffører med at reagere hurtigt på forstyrrelser og omdirigere, hvor det er nødvendigt.

[National Highways' Digital Roads programme] (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/digital-data-and-technology/digital-roads/) er allerede i gang med at lægge grunden med smart infrastruktur, der kan opdage farer tidligere, styre trafikstrømme mere intelligent og kommunikere klarere opdateringer i realtid.

Hvad betyder det for mobiliteten?

Et skridt fremad for mobilitet og chaufførernes velfærd. Den koordinerede nationale indsats for at tackle Storbritanniens efterslæb på infrastrukturen og modernisere vejene på en måde, der gavner de bilister, der er mest afhængige af dem.

Den virkelige test vil være i leveringen. At omsætte midler til håndgribelige forbedringer kræver, at man lytter til bilisterne, lærer af deres erfaringer og måler succesen på, hvordan vejene føles - ikke kun på, hvad de koster.

"Denne nye investeringsbølge handler ikke kun om at reducere rejsetiden," siger Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager hos SNAP. "Det handler om at opbygge et transportnetværk, der understøtter chaufførernes trivsel og driftseffektivitet og overgangen til ren mobilitet. Vi kan ikke vente med at se resultaterne."

Vil du se, hvordan mobilitet udvikler sig, hvor du er?

Brug SNAP-kortet til at finde tjenester og løsninger i nærheden af dig - uanset hvilken vej du er på.

Del til

Andre læser også...

Header Image

torsdag 07 august 2025 • Nyheder og opdateringer

INDE I FORMULA PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: UDFORSKNING AF DERES SUCCES OG FORHOLD TIL SNAP

Susie Jones

Situated in Ellesmere Port, a stone's throw away from the M53, is . Voted UK's Truckstop of the Year 2023, the site has become a firm favourite among the trucking community. Playing homage to their link to Formula 1 (the site once provided fuel to racing cars around the world), the truck stop is doused in the iconic red, with plenty of sporting memorabilia to keep visitors busy for hours. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, we sit down with Operations Manager Ash Evans to discuss everything from new facilities and sustainability goals to driver welfare and their relationship with SNAP. explains Ash.The site hosts a range of fantastic facilities to provide truck drivers with a home away from home. states Ash.As we're given a tour around the site, we walk through a dedicated gaming room, equipped with a pool and a table tennis table, a lounge area complete with massage chairs and a plethora of games consoles to help relax a driver after a long shift. On the more practical side, the site offers washing facilities, a gym, and a kitchen area to make homemade meals. For those who don't fancy cooking after a day behind the wheel, they can make use of the on-site restaurant now offering SNAP meal vouchers. Recently, the site renovated its female facilities, with state-of-the-art, spa-like washrooms. Included in this upgrade was a gender neutral toilet and shower room both areas are kept locked to ensure safety and security. explains Ash. Discover the new facilities at Formula through our with Ash.Ash and the team have a close relationship with Stuart Willetts, one of SNAP's UK Business Development Managers, who is always at the end of the phone to go over any queries. states Ash. Ash explains how offering SNAP meal vouchers has benefited not only the drivers but the site as well:Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the industry for a long time. With suicide rates among truck drivers than the national average, truck stops play a vital role in improving driver welfare. Something of which Ash believes shouldn't be difficult for a truck stop to achieve:This has certainly been a key focus for Formula, influencing everything from their facilities and continuous improvements to the safety and security of those parking up. Ash states. The industry has a long way to go, and Formula Truck Stop is setting the bar high. We asked Ash what the industry could do to help with driver well-being:Something that Stuart is all too aware must happen, as his role within SNAP allows him to empathise with the day-to-day challenges truck drivers face:The truck stop has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With SNAP helping to streamline operations, the site has been able to concentrate on expanding and pursuing its sustainability goals. With over 195,000 truck drivers on the SNAP network, the site had to add an overflow parking area, giving them an extra 50 spaces, to meet the growing demand. The site is now focusing on their sustainability goals, Ash explains:.Inspired by what you've just read? . Catch the full interview with

Header Image

mandag 21 juli 2025 • Nyheder og opdateringer

HVORDAN KLIMAFORANDRINGER PÅVIRKER MOBILITETSSEKTOREN

Guest

Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. Fleet operators were forced to reroute deliveries, sometimes at short notice, while engine temperatures soared and vehicles struggled to maintain performance.That same year, high winds from caused widespread damage across freight corridors in Western Europe, overturning high-sided vehicles and damaging temperature-sensitive cargo. Meanwhile, in January 2024, Storm Henk flooded vast areas of central England. Key routes in the Midlands were and some drivers were stranded for hours.These are not isolated events. They are signs of a transport system increasingly vulnerable to climate threats. Road surfaces, vehicle components and logistics networks are all being tested by changing conditions – and the consequences are being felt throughout the supply chain.When it comes to climate-related disruption, the impacts aren’t just felt on individual routes. Whole supply chains are being affected – sometimes with little warning. In The Netherlands, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are prompting authorities and businesses to reassess the resilience of critical logistics infrastructure, particularly in low-lying industrial areas. The Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport – has to adapt to climate risk, reinforcing quay walls, elevating access roads and upgrading stormwater systems to protect against flooding. Inland logistics centres are also under scrutiny, as extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in access routes and drainage.Fleet technology is improving fast, especially when it comes to electrification and smart diagnostics. But climate change is creating new stresses for even the most advanced vehicles. Battery efficiency can in cold weather, reducing the effective range of electric vans. Meanwhile, high temperatures and put additional strain on vehicle cooling systems.To address these issues, some operators are investing in predictive maintenance systems that use telematics to anticipate wear and schedule repairs before costly failures occur. Others are upgrading cab comfort systems to protect driver wellbeing during periods of extreme heat or cold. While these changes involve upfront investment, they can pay dividends in uptime, safety and driver retention.Rising climate risk is reshaping insurance, too. Some insurers are responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather claims by and tightening exclusions. Business interruption policies, in particular, are under , especially where supply chains are vulnerable to repeat disruption. And while cargo insurance remains a consideration, not all policies automatically cover delays caused by climate events such as flooding or high winds.Fleet managers should review their cover in light of these emerging risks. That means checking for exclusions, assessing how climate-related events are defined, and ensuring that critical gaps – such as downtime due to road closures – are adequately addressed. In some cases, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, flood mitigation and driver training can also help secure more favourable terms.While the physical impacts of climate change are already visible, regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for operators. Low-emission zones are expanding rapidly across the UK and Europe, placing new demands on fleet composition and compliance. In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to grow, while cities like Birmingham and Oxford have introduced their own variations. At the European level, the package have set ambitious targets for decarbonisation. Fleet operators are being incentivised – and increasingly required – to switch to cleaner fuels and technologies. From electrification mandates to supply chain transparency rules, operators now face a new baseline for what’s considered acceptable business practice.For those managing fleets, these changes present both a logistical challenge and a strategic opportunity. Embracing sustainability isn't just about avoiding penalties – it’s about futureproofing operations and staying ahead of changing customer expectations.Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, but incremental changes can have a meaningful impact. Some operators are now carrying out climate risk assessments across their fleet operations, identifying assets and routes most vulnerable to disruption. Others are offering drivers updated training to improve safety and decision-making during extreme weather events.Fuel choices are shifting too. Hauliers looking for lower-carbon alternatives are turning to HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – an alternative to diesel that cuts emissions without requiring new infrastructure. Meanwhile, those investing in load optimisation software are seeing benefits not just in fuel economy but in emissions reductions that support compliance goals.There’s no longer any doubt that climate change is shaping the future of road transport, not in decades, but right now. The challenge for operators is to shift from a reactive mindset to a more strategic, long-term mindset. That means understanding the risks, acting on them early, and recognising that resilience is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage.“We’re hearing the same thing from fleet operators across the UK and Europe,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Climate disruption isn’t a future risk – it’s already here, affecting everything from warehousing and route planning to driver welfare. The fleets that thrive will be the ones that treat climate resilience as a business strategy, not just an emergency response.“It matters because the cost of inaction is rising – not just financially, but in terms of missed deliveries, operational downtime and the wellbeing of drivers on the road. If we want to keep goods moving and businesses growing, we need to start building that resilience in now.”At SNAP, we work closely with fleets across the UK and Europe to help them navigate this new reality. Whether it’s through insights, partnerships, or smarter tools for on-the-road operations, we’re here to support those who keep the wheels turning – whatever the weather. to take advantage of our fleet management solutions.

Header Image

onsdag 18 juni 2025 • Nyheder og opdateringer

DEN POLSK-UKRAINSKE GRÆNSE GENÅBNER: HVAD FLÅDEOPERATØRER SKAL VIDE

Guest

After months of disruption, freight traffic between Poland and Ukraine is moving freely again. But with tensions still simmering and the threat of renewed blockades on everyone’s minds, fleet operators must remain alert to the risks – and prepared to protect driver welfare on both sides of the border.This article explains what caused the disruption, how it affected drivers, and the steps you can take to reduce the impact if industrial action returns.The situation began in late 2023 when Polish truck drivers began protesting at major border crossings. They claimed that the EU’s decision to waive permit requirements for Ukrainian hauliers – introduced as a temporary wartime measure – led to an influx of lower-cost operators undercutting Polish firms.The protests escalated, blocking key freight routes into Ukraine and trapping thousands of vehicles in queues stretching for miles. At its peak, the blockade left at the border, some waiting more than a week to cross. Non-Ukrainian EU drivers, too, suffered long delays, strained schedules and poor conditions. What began as a logistical dispute evolved into a broader protest by Polish truckers over Ukrainian imports, market access, and the impact of emergency EU transport measures. Polish farmers soon joined in, frustrated by the effect of Ukrainian agricultural products on domestic prices.Polish drivers also for border crossings – known as eCherha – arguing that it put EU hauliers at a disadvantage. While the system was designed to streamline freight movement by allowing carriers to pre-book crossing slots, Polish operators claimed it gave Ukrainian firms greater flexibility and faster access. Issues such as language barriers, limited integration with EU logistics systems and inconsistent implementation left many EU drivers waiting longer at the border, further fuelling the perception of unfair treatment and contributing to the broader unrest. Protests begin at Dorohusk, Hrebenne and Korczowa crossings. More crossings are blocked, including Medyka; three Ukrainian drivers die waiting in queues. The Polish government comes to an agreement to pause the blockade until March. Sporadic blockades resume at smaller crossings. A new four-month blockade began at Yahodyn-Dorohusk but was overturned in court. All major border crossings remain open, but the risk of future disruption remains.In response to the disruption and its wider implications, the Polish government has taken a proactive stance. Border crossings with Ukraine have been designated as critical infrastructure, giving them greater protection from future blockades and helping to ensure the continued flow of freight, humanitarian aid and military support. A new Council for Cooperation with Ukraine has also been established to generally strengthen ties between the two countries. Part of its remit is to improve coordination across trade and transportation. In parallel, Poland is investing in eastern border infrastructure and engaging with EU officials to press for fairer terms for Polish hauliers. While these actions may not resolve the situation overnight, they signal a longer-term commitment to stability and structured dialogue.The blockade created unacceptable conditions for professional drivers. Many spent days or weeks in their cabs with no access to toilets, food or running water. Some were stuck in freezing temperatures with no heating or shelter. during the blockade period, with exhaustion and untreated medical conditions believed to be contributing factors. The disruption also caused significant mental and emotional strain, particularly for Ukrainian drivers trying to reach or return from home during wartime. Delays affected not only trade but also the movement of fuel, aid and military goods critical to Ukraine’s national defence.While Polish protesters insisted that humanitarian and military aid vehicles were permitted through the border, indicate that this wasn’t always the case.These conditions weren’t just traumatic for drivers – they also exposed gaps in fleet risk management and emergency planning. Operators must now treat border disruption as an ongoing threat.Although the situation has stabilised, underlying tensions between Polish hauliers, Ukrainian operators and EU policy remain unresolved. Fleet managers operating in or near the region should be alert to the possibility of further industrial action – especially during seasonal pressure points or EU policy reviews.Here are the SNAP team’s recommendations for managing the situation effectively:Stay up-to-date with news from Polish and Ukrainian logistics associations and government sources. Subscribe to border traffic alerts and follow trusted logistics partners for real-time updates.Have contingency plans that redirect vehicles through Hungary, Slovakia or Romania if crossings between Poland and Ukraine become blocked again.Ensure your trucks are stocked with essentials: food, water, power banks and medical kits. During periods of unrest, access to secure truck parking in Poland is essential, so that your drivers are safe, rested and off the roadside. Equip drivers with up-to-date information on secure truck parking and rest areas along their route.Our has an interactive map of truck parking, with 11,000 HGV service providers across Europe, including Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. It’s an easy-to-use tool for finding secure truck rest areas in Poland, making it especially valuable during periods of industrial action. Although the app does not currently offer bookable truck parking in Ukraine, Ukrainian operators and drivers can use intruck to locate reliable rest stops within the EU during long-distance journeys or times of disruption.With increased demand during periods of disruption, advanced booking is critical. Drivers can also use intruck to find and book trusted truck parking in Poland in advance. Whether your vehicles are travelling deep into Eastern Europe or returning westward, it allows your drivers to access parking for trucks near Warsaw and other high-traffic areas.Establish check-in schedules, especially if long waits or diversions are expected. Reassure drivers that their wellbeing is a priority and provide support if they face unexpected delays. If possible, suggest secure lorry parking locations in Ukraine in advance, so they know where to take a break.The reopening of the Poland-Ukraine border is welcome news for fleets operating in Eastern Europe. But with political tensions unresolved, it’s essential to stay prepared.“The situation is rapidly changing,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “With the potential for further disruption at the Poland-Ukraine border, we recommend that fleet operators put robust plans in place to prioritise driver wellbeing and minimise operational risks. That includes building flexibility into delivery schedules, providing essential supplies in vehicles and ensuring drivers have access to secure truck parking. “Our network of bookable truck stops across Europe and Poland gives you the tools to stay agile – offering peace of mind to both operators and drivers when conditions on the ground become unpredictable.”View our interactive map of .