Dart Charge account – simplify your payments

Situated just 60 minutes from Calais is TWV Park, a haven for truckers looking for a restful night’s sleep. With an impressive 4.7-star rating on Google, TWV has been described by its customers as an oasis and a great place to park. The site offers a range of services including, showers, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 video surveillance. Emilie, from TWV Park, tells us a bit more. "We offer our customers all the comforts for drivers to rest peacefully. Bicycles are available to rent, and we host entertainment such as football match broadcasts, competitions, and music concerts. Nearby is a shopping centre, and a water sports centre for extra activities outside of TWV." Providing drivers with a wide range of facilities and entertainment is not the only thing the truck park does incredibly well. The safety and security of TWV is something the team has made great progress on throughout the years. "TWV is a secure car park with ESPORG Gold certification. The site has 24/7 security guards, fences, and 80 on-site cameras. All of which are monitored." Emilie explains. Back in June 2023, the site announced its Secure Truck Park project – a project supported by the European Co-Funding programme. This has enabled TWV Park to take further security measures to ensure truck drivers and their cargo safe. Truck stops play a pivotal role in providing a space for truck drivers who have spent long hours on the road something Emilie and the team are conscious of, when making decisions about the truck park. "To improve well-being, truck drivers need safety and comfort from a truck park," states Emilie. TWV does this particularly well when you look at the amount of choice and variety for drivers at the site. Emilie explains the truck park offers "kitchens with all the appliances, food trucks, and brasserie-style on-site meals." She states that other comforts, such as "sanitary facilities, phone charging access, and air-conditioning," are also available. TWV was one of the stops on our Truckpark Tour in 2023 a ten-stop tour throughout the UK and Europe to give back to the tireless truck-driving community. Emilie explained why they wanted to be a part of it. "When SNAP came to us about the tour, we thought it was a great idea to offer the drivers an extra activity in the park." The teams at SNAP and TWV were kept busy throughout the day, handing out free merchandise and having crucial conversations with drivers. "The event went really well, and the drivers were happy to see SNAP and the team at TWV. The drivers enjoyed the entertainment and goodies on offer and appreciated getting to have a chat," states Emilie. By joining SNAP, you'll put your location in front of 190,000 drivers and over 9,000 fleets. For truck stops like TWV, who are constantly striving to grow their business, SNAP provides the opportunity to do so. "We had no hesitations about joining SNAP and found the setup process easy. Since joining, we have had good communication with the SNAP team," says Emilie. To improve your profitability and optimise your site operations, head to .

As a lorry driver in the UK, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp of the complex regulations surrounding driver working hours and rest periods. The Drivers’ Working Time Directive (WTD), also known as the Road Transport Directive, is a set of rules that governs the maximum hours a driver can work, the mandatory breaks they must take, and the required rest periods they must observe. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and even the immobilisation of your vehicle.The Drivers’ Working Time Directive is a European Union legislation that aims to ensure the safety of all road users by preventing fatigue-related accidents. apply to those driving vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, regardless of whether the individual operates within the UK or across the EU.Under the WTD, truck drivers in the UK are subject to a daily driving cap of 9 hours, which can be increased to 10 hours a maximum of twice per week. After 4.5 hours of continuous or intermittent driving, drivers must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Alternatively, they can opt for a split break, where the first is at least 15 minutes, followed by a second of at least 30 minutes.There’s a weekly driving limit for UK lorry drivers, which is 56 hours, while the fortnightly cap is 90 hours. This means that if a driver clocks 56 hours in 1 week, they can only work for 34 hours the following week to ensure they do not go over the 90-hour fortnightly limit.In addition to the driving time restrictions, the WTD also imposes limits on the total number of hours a driver can work per week. Average weekly working time, including both driving and non-driving tasks, must not surpass 48 hours, calculated over a 17-week or 26-week reference period. Maximum working time in a single week is 60 hours, provided the 48-hour average is not exceeded.The WTD requires to take a daily rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours, which can be split into 2 periods with the first being at least 3 hours long. Drivers can also opt for a reduced daily rest period of nine hours, but this can only be done up to three times per week. Additionally, a weekly rest period of at least 45 hours is mandatory, although this can be lowered to 24 hours once in a 2-week period.While the WTD applies to the majority of UK lorry drivers, there are certain exceptions that may apply in specific circumstances. For example, those who do not drive more than 10 times within a 26-week period or 15 times within a timeframe exceeding 26 weeks may not be required to monitor their working time directive.Failing to adhere to the WTD can have serious consequences for both drivers and . Drivers caught in breach of the regulations can face fines of up to £1,500, and if they break the rules more than 5 times in 28 days, they may be taken to court and have their vehicle immobilised.For fleet operators, the onus is on maintaining compliance throughout the entire fleet. Neglecting to implement sufficient measures to monitor and enforce the WTD can result in the DVSA issuing a notice to improve, and in extreme cases, a requirement to cease operations until the issues are resolved.To effectively manage driver working hours and ensure compliance with the WTD, fleet operators should consider investing in tachograph-integrated fleet management solutions. These purpose-built technologies allow for efficient monitoring of driver behaviour and automatic logging of driving and working time data, making it virtually impossible for non-compliance to go unnoticed.By partnering with a trusted provider like , fleet operators can leverage cutting-edge fleet management tools and gain access to a comprehensive network of service partners, making sure that their drivers have the support they need to stay compliant and safe on the road.There’s also the in the UK to consider. It’s proving to be a big problem within the industry. The industry has seen a drop in HGV drivers – the pandemic delayed 30,000 tests for new drivers, and Brexit hit fleet companies hard – with many European truck drivers leaving the UK. A 2023 report from SNAP suggests the sector could reach a 'tipping point' in the next 10-15 years. It may prove that the Drivers’ Working Time Directive is just what the industry needs to make the profession desirable again and provide better balance for drivers. Learn more about what can be done to tackle the driver shortage by .

Whether you’re hauling cargo across international borders or managing a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, ensuring your vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained can have a significant impact on their performance, longevity, and overall operational efficiency. Thankfully, it’s easy to find a reliable and convenient truck wash near your location – read on to find out how.When it comes to vehicle cleaning, trucks require specialised facilities and equipment to cater to their unique requirements. Truck washes are strategically positioned along major highways and interstate exits, ensuring easy access and minimal disruption to the flow of heavy-duty vehicles. This placement allows long-haul drivers to quickly and conveniently get to the necessary cleaning services without the challenges of navigating through congested city streets.As trucks require more robust and powerful machinery to tackle the dirt, grime, and road debris that accumulate on their expansive surfaces, wash services typically feature larger bays, taller clearances, and special equipment – including high-pressure washers and long-reach brushes.Washing a truck generally demands more water and electricity due to the sheer size and volume of the vehicles, as well as the need for more intensive cleaning procedures. Such increased resource usage translates to higher operational costs, which are then reflected in the price. A truck wash tends to focus on comprehensive exterior cleaning, including specialised services like engine degreasing and mudflap washing, to address the unique needs and challenges of maintaining the cleanliness of heavy-duty commercial vehicles.Finding the right facility for your needs can be a daunting task. This is where SNAP, provider of integrated services for the road transport industry, steps in to simplify your journey.Our network spans across Europe, with over 230 locations that cater specifically to the needs of commercial vehicle operators. These are strategically positioned along major highways and transportation hubs, ensuring that drivers can easily access the necessary cleaning services without disrupting their schedules or routes.Take a look at our and see how to find facilities near you.SNAP Account integrates with the network of truck washes, allowing drivers and fleet operators to conveniently pay for their services using a single, secure account. This eliminates the need for cash or multiple payment methods, streamlining the cleaning experience and providing a comprehensive solution for managing fleet expenses.From high-pressure exterior cleaning to specialised undercarriage washing and engine degreasing, SNAP’s truck washes are equipped with all the right equipment and expertise to deliver a thorough and efficient experience.In addition to our truck washing services, we also provide a network of secure and accessible Depot parking sites across Europe. These dedicated parking facilities, exclusive to SNAP Account holders, offer enhanced security features and the convenience of pre-booking parking spaces through , our mobile app. This gives drivers peace of mind that their vehicles are safe and accessible.By integrating our full suite of services, can streamline their operations and achieve greater efficiency. From seamless truck washing and secure parking to fuel management and Dartford Crossing payments, our solutions empower fleet managers to focus on their core business objectives while maximising on the power of technology to optimise their processes.Maintaining the cleanliness and wellbeing of your commercial vehicles is a critical aspect of ensuring operational excellence. Through leveraging SNAP’s extensive network of specialised facilities, you can elevate the performance and longevity of your fleet, while simplifying the overall management of your transportation operations.Our integrated services provide a comprehensive solution that caters to the unique needs of the commercial vehicle industry. We enable you to concentrate on what matters most – delivering your cargo safely and efficiently, while minimising the hassle and maximising business profitability.So, as you navigate the road ahead, let SNAP be your trusted partner in preserving the pristine condition of your vehicles.