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Notícias e actualizações • 4 min ler

Como é que o financiamento de infra-estruturas no Reino Unido poderá ter impacto no sector da mobilidade

Criado: 02/07/2025

Atualizado: 03/07/2025

Após anos de investimentos irregulares e congestionamentos crescentes, o governo do Reino Unido comprometeu-se a investir mais de 700 mil milhões de libras em infra-estruturas ao longo da próxima década, grande parte das quais destinada às estradas do país. Desde novos corredores de transporte de mercadorias a sistemas de tráfego digitais de ponta, o impacto da Estratégia de Infra-estruturas a 10 anos nos condutores comerciais e no sector da mobilidade em geral poderá ser transformador.

As estradas estão a atingir o ponto de rutura

As estradas são apenas uma parte do conjunto de transportes do Reino Unido - mas transportam a esmagadora maioria das mercadorias. [De acordo com dados do Governo] (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), 81% das mercadorias nacionais e 75% das importações e exportações são transportadas por estrada, o que faz dela a espinha dorsal da logística e da economia do Reino Unido.

E, apesar de representar pouco mais de dois por cento da rede rodoviária do Reino Unido em comprimento, a [Rede Rodoviária Estratégica (SRN)] (https://https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/u4apnjvk/nh-srn-simplified-map-2023.pdf) transporta 34% de todos os trajectos rodoviários - incluindo muitas das rotas de transporte de mercadorias mais sensíveis ao tempo e de maior volume. Para os condutores que as utilizam, o seu estado e capacidade têm um impacto direto na segurança, eficiência e desempenho das entregas.

No entanto, os dados do [Índice de Condição das Estradas (RCI)] (https://www.asphaltuk.org/wp-content/uploads/ALARM-survey-2025-executive-summary.pdf) mostram que cerca de 24.500 milhas - mais de uma em cada 10 milhas - da rede em Inglaterra e no País de Gales é suscetível de necessitar de manutenção nos próximos 12 meses.

Uma série de recentes encerramentos de emergência de pontes expôs ainda mais a vulnerabilidade da rede. Em algumas áreas, as estruturas de suporte fissuradas e o betão com décadas de idade criaram condições perigosas para todos os utentes da estrada - especialmente para os veículos pesados de mercadorias, que são frequentemente os primeiros a enfrentar restrições de peso ou desvios forçados.

O governo respondeu com um novo fundo de mil milhões de libras para reparar e reconstruir pontes, cruzamentos e viadutos em mau estado, como parte da sua estratégia de infra-estruturas. É um passo bem-vindo - e que reflecte a crescente pressão do sector. Para os condutores profissionais, pode significar menos desvios, menos restrições súbitas e menos tempo perdido em infra-estruturas que não se adequam à logística moderna.

Mas a segurança não consiste apenas em evitar falhas catastróficas. É também uma questão de resiliência a longo prazo - assegurar que as estradas, pontes e bermas são mantidas corretamente antes de se tornarem um perigo. Este foco renovado na manutenção indica que a conservação das estradas pode finalmente começar a corresponder à escala, dimensão e velocidade dos veículos que delas dependem.

O problema dos buracos

Embora os projectos de grande visibilidade dominem os anúncios, é frequentemente o estado diário da superfície da estrada que tem o maior impacto nos condutores. Para quem trabalha com transportes, os buracos são mais do que um incómodo - são um perigo persistente para a segurança e um encargo dispendioso.

A exposição repetida a superfícies irregulares aumenta o desgaste dos veículos pesados de mercadorias, danifica os pneus e a suspensão e contribui para a fadiga do condutor. Em alguns casos, os danos causados pelos buracos obrigaram os veículos a sair da estrada para reparações de emergência, perturbando as entregas e afectando os acordos de nível de serviço.

Para os condutores, os riscos são pessoais. Tentar evitar os buracos - especialmente em estradas estreitas ou movimentadas - pode levar a manobras perigosas. Se a isto juntarmos o mau tempo, a iluminação limitada ou os prazos de entrega apertados, os riscos aumentam.

Como parte do seu impulso mais vasto em matéria de infra-estruturas, o governo atribuiu[ £1,6 mil milhões] (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) como parte do Plano para a Mudança para melhorar as infra-estruturas locais, incluindo buracos, superfícies fissuradas e faixas de rodagem desgastadas. O objetivo é elevar o nível de segurança e fiabilidade das estradas, em especial nas vias de tráfego intenso de mercadorias.

Não resolverá o problema de um dia para o outro, mas marca uma mudança de prioridades - reconhecendo que o bem-estar dos condutores começa com o básico e que uma viagem segura e confortável depende de estradas bem conservadas.

Para as frotas, as vantagens incluem menos reparações não planeadas, menos pedidos de seguro e menos tempo de inatividade dos condutores. Para os condutores, significa menos solavancos, menos stress e menos uma coisa com que se preocupar num turno longo.

Uma rede fiável

O bem-estar dos motoristas está no centro das atenções dos transportes modernos. As longas horas de trabalho, os atrasos nos horários e as instalações inadequadas têm tido o seu preço. Mas os últimos planos do governo oferecem esperança para uma rede mais segura e com melhores ligações.

Em todo o Reino Unido, as instalações para motoristas têm tido dificuldade em acompanhar a procura. O estacionamento é muitas vezes limitado, os serviços estão sobrecarregados e muitas áreas de repouso carecem de conforto e segurança - especialmente para operações de longo curso. É por isso que o governo também está a [melhorar o ambiente de condução] (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-than-14-million-in-joint-government-and-industry-funding-to-boost-innovation-and-working-conditions-in-freight): mais estacionamento seguro, melhores instalações de bem-estar e reformas de planeamento para acelerar o desenvolvimento de novos locais.

Ao mesmo tempo, o investimento em centros de carregamento e reabastecimento para camiões eléctricos e a hidrogénio está a acelerar. A Moto, por exemplo, comprometeu-se a instalar mais de 300 carregadores eléctricos para veículos pesados de mercadorias em 23 locais de autoestrada, enquanto a paragem de camiões de Ashford está a ser transformada num importante centro de carregamento para o transporte de mercadorias através do Canal da Mancha. Estas instalações não se destinam apenas a manter os veículos em movimento - destinam-se a proporcionar aos condutores locais seguros e bem equipados para descansarem e recarregarem as baterias.

Se os seus condutores estiverem à procura de um local seguro para parar, a nossa aplicação intruck permite-lhes identificar e reservar paragens de descanso em todo o Reino Unido e na Europa. [Saiba mais e descarregue-a aqui.] (https://intruckapp.com/)

O custo do congestionamento

Os engarrafamentos, as rotas imprevisíveis e a pressão para cumprir os prazos de entrega contribuem para o stress e a fadiga dos condutores - e tornam a estrada um local mais perigoso.

As grandes actualizações de infra-estruturas, como a travessia inferior do Tamisa, a duplicação da A66 e as melhorias na M60 Simister Island, destinam-se a reduzir o congestionamento e os riscos de acidentes em alguns dos pontos de estrangulamento mais conhecidos do Reino Unido.

Além disso, continua a haver um impulso para a introdução de ferramentas digitais que apoiem viagens mais seguras e suaves. Os alertas de tráfego em tempo real, os sistemas de deteção inteligentes e uma melhor gestão do tráfego ajudarão os gestores de frotas e os condutores a reagir rapidamente às perturbações e a mudar de rota quando necessário.

O [programa Estradas Digitais das Auto-Estradas Nacionais] (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/digital-data-and-technology/digital-roads/) já está a lançar as bases, com infra-estruturas inteligentes que podem detetar perigos mais cedo, gerir fluxos de tráfego de forma mais inteligente e comunicar actualizações mais claras e em tempo real.

O que é que isto significa para a mobilidade?

Um passo em frente para a mobilidade e o bem-estar dos condutores. O esforço nacional coordenado para resolver o atraso das infra-estruturas do Reino Unido e para modernizar as estradas de uma forma que beneficie os condutores que mais dependem delas.

O verdadeiro teste será a concretização. Para transformar o financiamento em melhorias tangíveis, será necessário ouvir os condutores, aprender com a experiência da linha da frente e medir o sucesso pela forma como as estradas são sentidas - e não apenas pelo seu custo.

"Esta nova vaga de investimento não tem apenas a ver com a redução dos tempos de viagem", afirma Stuart Willetts, Diretor de Desenvolvimento Comercial do Reino Unido, na SNAP. "Trata-se de construir uma rede de transportes que apoie o bem-estar dos condutores, a eficiência operacional e a transição para a mobilidade limpa. Mal podemos esperar para ver os resultados."

Quer ver como a mobilidade está a evoluir no local onde se encontra?

Utilize o mapa SNAP para encontrar serviços e soluções perto de si - independentemente da estrada em que se encontra.

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quarta-feira 18 junho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

REABERTURA DA FRONTEIRA ENTRE A POLÓNIA E A UCRÂNIA: O QUE OS OPERADORES DE FROTAS DEVEM SABER

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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 .

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quarta-feira 04 junho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

IMPACTO DO APAGÃO DA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA EM 2025 NO TRANSPORTE RODOVIÁRIO DE MERCADORIAS

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On 28 April 2025, a widespread power outage swept across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving millions of homes, businesses and public services in Spain and Portugal without electricity. The Spain-Portugal blackout, which began at 12:33pm local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Porto, as well as large parts of the surrounding regions. In some areas, power returned within four to six hours; in others, the disruption lasted well into the following morning.Although the precise cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest a failure in the cross-border transmission network disrupted electricity flow across both national grids. The impact was swift and widespread, halting train services, grounding aircraft, affecting hospitals and public services and paralysing digital infrastructure. For the transport and logistics sector, the challenge was immediate, touching every aspect of road-based operations, from freight and fuel supply to traffic control and driver welfare.“When power fails, so do many of the systems we rely on to keep roads safe – from traffic lights and signage to communications,” says Raquel Martinez, European Sales Manager at SNAP. “For both drivers and fleet operators, the 2025 blackout highlighted just how quickly routine journeys can become high-risk and how important it is to be aware of where drivers can stop to maintain the security of themselves and their loads.”For transport firms, the first and most pressing issue was the suspension of freight movement. Across the Iberian Peninsula, operations at warehouses, fulfilment centres and cross-docking hubs slowed or stopped entirely. International movements were also affected, with trucks held at borders as authorities worked to restore basic traffic control and ensure road safety.With rail freight at a standstill, some operators attempted to shift loads onto the road network, but this brought its own limitations. Congested routes, inoperative traffic systems and patchy fuel access meant that road transport couldn’t absorb the demand. It took several days to clear the backlog and restore supply chain reliability.The Iberian power cuts also revealed the extent to which modern infrastructure depends on digital systems. Traffic lights in major cities went dark, causing congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Electronic signage, motorway sensors and smart routing systems all failed, depriving drivers of real-time guidance and updates.Toll booths were similarly affected. With automatic barriers and electronic payment systems out of action, staff in some areas had to lift gates manually or collect cash. This led to delays on major routes, lost revenue for toll operators, and concerns about system integrity once power was restored.One of the clearest signs of the sector’s reliance on electricity came at the fuel pumps. As power failed, petrol stations across Spain and Portugal were forced to close. Pumps and payment systems stopped working, leaving only a small number of forecourts with emergency generators able to serve customers. These were quickly overwhelmed, leading to long queues and, in many cases, drivers stranded without fuel.The disruption also extended upstream, with port facilities and fuel distribution networks unable to operate at normal capacity, delaying the movement of fuel to inland areas and further compounding supply issues.For operators of electric vehicles, the outage posed a particular challenge. EV charging across Spain and Portugal were out of service, rendering EVs unusable unless they already had enough charge to complete their route. With no access to recharging, some deliveries were suspended and electric vehicles temporarily taken off the road.For logistics businesses considering the transition to electric fleets, the Iberian power cuts underlined the importance of contingency planning and backup infrastructure to maintain operations during grid failures.Perhaps the most pressing concerns centred around driver welfare. Rest areas and service stations were plunged into darkness – many without lighting, heating, hot food or functioning toilets. Some drivers were left without a safe or secure place to rest during enforced delays.Communication was another major issue. With mobile networks disrupted, drivers struggled to contact depots, request support or access traffic updates. For many, local radio became the only reliable source of information. The situation served as a stark reminder of how exposed the industry can be when critical infrastructure fails.Although the Spain-Portugal blackout lasted less than 24 hours in most places, the disruption to road transport and haulage was significant. The power outage effects on logistics covered everything from fuel supply and infrastructure resilience to emergency preparedness and driver wellbeing. However, it also prompted renewed discussion around how fleet operators can improve business continuity and safeguard their people in the face of similar events.Establishing and testing a robust business continuity plan is an important first step. This should cover communications protocols, fuel access, routing alternatives and vehicle deployment. Where possible, alternative schedules and delivery partners should be identified in advance – particularly for time-sensitive or critical loads.Supporting driver wellbeing is crucial in situations like this. Emergency kits – containing snacks, water, torches, power banks and reflective clothing – can offer reassurance and practical help. “Operators may also wish to review facilities at depots to ensure drivers have safe places to rest, especially during longer delays,” says Raquel. “Knowing that there is a network of truck stops in the region, such as our partner network, can provide reassurance that there is somewhere to stop until the power returns. “Blackouts of this scale may be rare, but the risk is real. Operators must consider how they build resilience and adapt to situations to keep moving – from securing fuel access to re-evaluating route planning and rest provision during emergencies.”We have an extensive network of truck stops and service areas across Spain and Europe.

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sexta-feira 16 maio 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

CAMIÕES AUTÓNOMOS: DESVENDAR O CAMINHO A PERCORRER

Susie Jones

Autonomous trucks a daunting idea for some, but seemingly, the future of the logistics industry. As technology advances within the sector, the prospect of having partially or fully autonomous vehicles delivering your goods is high. In fact, it could be as close as 2026, according to the UK government, as in May 2024, the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law.However, what happens when an autonomous truck gets into an accident? Who is liable? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of autonomy, how it could impact the mobility sector, who is liable when accidents occur, and what drivers think of the change.There are six levels of driving automation:• Level 0 No automation. The human performs all driving tasks.• Level 1 Driver assistance. The vehicle features a single automated system. • Level 2 Partial automation. The vehicle can perform steering and acceleration. However, a human still monitors all tasks and can take control at all times.• Level 3 Conditional automation. The vehicle can perform most driving tasks. However, human override is still required.• Level 4 High automation. Geofencing is required, and the vehicle can perform all driving tasks under specific circumstances. Human override is an option. • Level 5 Full automation. The vehicle performs all driving tasks in all conditions. No human attention or interaction is required. Sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence enable autonomous trucks to drive independently. Advanced programs make decisions instead of human drivers. • Legalities Who is liable when accidents occur? Is it the driver, their employer, or the maintenance company? We delve into this below. • Infrastructure Our existing roads are built for a world of petrol engines. Therefore, infrastructure must be upgraded or replaced to support self-driving vehicle fleets, requiring money and a substantial amount of political will. • Societal shifts An evolution in public attitudes will need to occur, too. The prospect of AI vehicles is daunting to many, with concerns regarding safety, journey tracking, and the legal grey areas regarding road accidents. • Security A system relying on digital networks becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. The safety of autonomous trucks has been a hot topic of discussion within the sector, with many debating whether the technology is at a reliable standard to deal with unpredictable weather and recognise obstacles something that is of concern for truck drivers on SNAP's social media pages:"In the slightest bit of rain, my truck loses all automatic capabilities, AEBS, and cruise control. There is no way trucks will be allowed to drive themselves without a driver anytime soon."“This will kill more people on the roads and cause more queues. Just think how reliable your electronics are on your Euro 6 vehicle. The same people are making autonomous trucks.”In the event of an accident, responsibility may shift between the driver and the manufacturer. The court must determine whether an accident was caused by a technical fault, inadequate maintenance, or driver error. A manufacturer will become liable in the following instances: • Sensor malfunction• Software glitches• Inadequate cybersecurity measures• Inadequate testingA driver of an autonomous truck may be liable for an accident if they neglect the necessary service or maintenance required for the vehicle to operate properly one could argue that this liability could fall on fleet managers, too. Despite this, there is still some confusion among those in the mobility sector. We asked truck drivers on our who they believe would be held liable in the event of an accident with an autonomous vehicle. 51% of drivers thought the driver would be responsible, 37% suggested automated truck manufacturers, and 12% believed software developers. It's evident that more clarification is needed among those in the sector before autonomous trucks are a permanent fixture on our roads. In their revisited campaign, SNAP looks at the future of the mobility sector. As technology advances, autonomous vehicles will play a significant role in the industry, with a 50% chance that machines could take over all human jobs in the next 120 years.However, how will they deal with some of Europe's most hazardous highways? Truck driving is more than just sitting behind the wheel it's often about navigating ever-changing and unpredictable road conditions. It poses the question of whether autonomous trucks could deal with some of the poorest roads in Europe. From their most recent campaign, , SNAP identified Europe's most dangerous roads, with results showing Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Czechia as the most concerning.One could argue that autonomous trucks will face challenges while trying to navigate some of these roads without human interaction. Limited GPS accuracy, sensor interference, and a lack of consistent infrastructure could complicate things.