Reabertura da fronteira entre a Polónia e a Ucrânia: O que os operadores de frotas precisam de saber

After years of patchy investment and mounting congestion, the UK government has committed to more than £700 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade – much of it earmarked for the nation’s roads. From new freight corridors to cutting-edge digital traffic systems, the impact of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy on commercial drivers and the wider mobility industry could be transformational.Roads are just one part of the UK’s transport mix – but they carry the overwhelming majority of goods. , 81% of domestic freight and 75% of imports and exports move by road, making it the backbone of UK logistics and the economy.And, despite making up just over two per cent of the UK’s road network by length, the carries 34% of all road journeys – including many of the most time-sensitive, high-volume freight routes. For the drivers using them, their condition and capacity have a direct impact on safety, efficiency and delivery performance. However, data shows that around 24,500 miles – more than one in every 10 miles – of the network in England and Wales is likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months.A number of recent emergency bridge closures have further exposed how vulnerable the network has become. In some areas, cracked support structures and decades-old concrete have created dangerous conditions for all road users – especially HGVs, which are often the first to face weight restrictions or forced rerouting.The government has responded with a new £1 billion fund to repair and rebuild deteriorating bridges, crossings and flyovers as part of its infrastructure strategy. It’s a welcome step – and one that reflects growing industry pressure. For professional drivers, it could mean fewer detours, fewer sudden restrictions, and less time lost to infrastructure that isn’t fit for modern logistics.But safety isn’t just about avoiding catastrophic failures. It’s also about long-term resilience – ensuring roads, bridges and lay-bys are maintained properly before they become hazards. This renewed focus on maintenance signals that road upkeep may finally start to match the scale, size and speed of the vehicles that depend on it.While high-profile projects dominate announcements, it’s often the everyday condition of the road surface that has the biggest impact on drivers. For those in haulage, potholes are more than a nuisance – they’re a persistent safety hazard and a costly burden.Repeated exposure to uneven surfaces increases wear and tear on HGVs, damages tyres and suspension and contributes to driver fatigue. In some cases, pothole damage has forced vehicles off the road for emergency repairs, disrupting deliveries and affecting service-level agreements.For drivers, the risks are personal. Trying to avoid potholes – especially on narrow or busy roads – can lead to dangerous manoeuvres. Add poor weather, limited lighting or tight delivery schedules and the stakes only rise.As part of its wider infrastructure push, the government has allocated as part of the Plan for Change to upgrade local infrastructure, including potholes, cracked surfaces and worn-out carriageways. The aim is to bring roads up to a safer, more reliable standard – particularly on freight-heavy routes.It won’t fix the problem overnight, but it marks a shift in priorities – recognising that driver welfare starts with the basics, and that a safe, comfortable journey depends on well-maintained roads.For fleets, the knock-on benefits include fewer unplanned repairs, lower insurance claims and less driver downtime. For drivers, it means fewer jolts, less stress and one less thing to worry about on a long shift.Driver welfare is front and centre of modern transport conversation. Long hours, delayed schedules and inadequate facilities have taken their toll. But the government’s latest plans offer hope for a safer, better-connected network.Across the UK, driver facilities have struggled to keep up with demand. Parking is often limited, services are stretched and many rest areas fall short on comfort and security – especially for long-haul operations. That’s why the government is also : more secure parking, better welfare amenities and planning reforms to speed up the development of new sites.At the same time, investment in charging and refuelling hubs for electric and hydrogen trucks is accelerating. Moto, for example, has committed to installing over 300 HGV electric chargers at 23 motorway locations, while Ashford Truckstop is being transformed into a major charging hub for cross-Channel freight. These facilities aren’t just about keeping vehicles moving – they’re about giving drivers safe, well-equipped places to rest and recharge themselves.If your drivers are looking for a safe place to stop, our intruck app allows them to identify and book rest stops across the UK and Europe. Traffic jams, unpredictable routes and pressure to hit delivery windows contribute to driver stress and fatigue – and they make the road a more dangerous place to be.Major infrastructure upgrades like the Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling and M60 Simister Island improvements are designed to reduce congestion and cut accident risks at some of the UK’s most notorious pinch points. In addition, there’s still a push to introduce digital tools that support safer, smoother journeys. Real-time traffic alerts, smart detection systems and better traffic management will help fleet managers and drivers respond quickly to disruptions and reroute where needed. is already laying the groundwork, with smart infrastructure that can detect hazards earlier, manage traffic flows more intelligently and communicate clearer, real-time updates.A step forward for mobility and driver welfare. The coordinated national effort to tackle the UK’s infrastructure backlog and to modernise the roads in a way that benefits the drivers who rely on them most.The real test will be in delivery. Turning funding into tangible improvements will require listening to drivers, learning from frontline experience and measuring success by how the roads feel – not just what they cost.“This new wave of investment isn’t just about cutting journey times,” says Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager, at SNAP. “It’s about building a transport network that supports driver wellbeing and operational efficiency and the clean mobility transition. We can’t wait to see the results.”Use the near you – no matter what road you’re on.

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.

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.