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Știri și actualizări • 4 min citește

Cum ar putea afecta finanțarea infrastructurii din Regatul Unit industria mobilității

Creat: 02.07.2025

Actualizat: 03.07.2025

După ani de investiții neuniforme și aglomerație crescândă, guvernul britanic s-a angajat să cheltuiască peste 700 de miliarde de lire sterline pentru infrastructură în următorul deceniu - mare parte din această sumă fiind destinată drumurilor naționale. De la noi coridoare de transport de marfă la sisteme digitale de trafic de ultimă generație, impactul strategiei pe 10 ani privind infrastructura asupra șoferilor profesioniști și asupra industriei mobilității în general ar putea fi transformator.

Drumurile ating punctul de rupere

Drumurile sunt doar o parte a mixului de transporturi din Regatul Unit - dar ele transportă majoritatea covârșitoare a mărfurilor. [Conform datelor guvernamentale] (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% din transportul intern de marfă și 75% din importuri și exporturi se deplasează pe șosea, aceasta fiind coloana vertebrală a logisticii și economiei Regatului Unit.

Și, în ciuda faptului că reprezintă doar puțin peste două procente din lungimea rețelei rutiere a Regatului Unit, [Rețeaua rutieră strategică (SRN)] (https://https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/u4apnjvk/nh-srn-simplified-map-2023.pdf) transportă 34% din toate călătoriile rutiere - inclusiv multe dintre cele mai sensibile la timp, rute de transport de marfă cu volum mare. Pentru șoferii care le utilizează, starea și capacitatea acestora au un impact direct asupra siguranței, eficienței și performanței livrărilor.

Cu toate acestea, datele Road Condition Index (RCI) arată că aproximativ 24.500 de mile - mai mult de una din 10 mile - din rețeaua din Anglia și Țara Galilor este probabil să necesite întreținere în următoarele 12 luni.

O serie de închideri de urgență recente ale podurilor au scos în evidență și mai mult cât de vulnerabilă a devenit rețeaua. În unele zone, structurile de susținere fisurate și betonul vechi de zeci de ani au creat condiții periculoase pentru toți utilizatorii drumurilor - în special pentru vehiculele grele de marfă, care sunt adesea primele care se confruntă cu restricții de greutate sau cu redirecționări forțate.

Guvernul a reacționat cu un nou fond de 1 miliard de lire sterline pentru repararea și reconstrucția podurilor, pasajelor și pasajelor supraterane deteriorate, ca parte a strategiei sale privind infrastructura. Este un pas binevenit - și unul care reflectă presiunea tot mai mare din partea industriei. Pentru șoferii profesioniști, aceasta ar putea însemna mai puține ocoluri, mai puține restricții bruște și mai puțin timp pierdut din cauza infrastructurii care nu este adecvată pentru logistica modernă.

Dar siguranța nu înseamnă doar evitarea defecțiunilor catastrofale. Este vorba, de asemenea, despre reziliența pe termen lung - asigurarea întreținerii corespunzătoare a drumurilor, podurilor și acostamentelor înainte ca acestea să devină pericole. Această atenție sporită acordată întreținerii semnalează că întreținerea drumurilor poate începe, în sfârșit, să se ridice la înălțimea, dimensiunea și viteza vehiculelor care depind de ele.

Problema gropilor

În timp ce anunțurile sunt dominate de proiecte de profil înalt, de multe ori starea zilnică a suprafeței drumurilor este cea care are cel mai mare impact asupra șoferilor. Pentru cei din domeniul transportului, gropile sunt mai mult decât o pacoste - reprezintă un pericol persistent pentru siguranță și o povară costisitoare.

Expunerea repetată la suprafețe denivelate crește uzura vehiculelor grele de transport, deteriorează anvelopele și suspensiile și contribuie la oboseala șoferilor. În unele cazuri, deteriorarea cauzată de gropi a forțat vehiculele să iasă de pe drum pentru reparații de urgență, perturbând livrările și afectând acordurile privind nivelul serviciilor.

Pentru șoferi, riscurile sunt personale. Încercarea de a evita gropile - în special pe drumurile înguste sau aglomerate - poate duce la manevre periculoase. Adăugați vreme nefavorabilă, iluminare limitată sau programe de livrare strânse și miza crește.

Ca parte a inițiativei sale mai ample privind infrastructura, guvernul a alocat [1,6 miliarde de lire sterline] (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) ca parte a Planului pentru schimbare pentru modernizarea infrastructurii locale, inclusiv a gropilor, a suprafețelor crăpate și a căilor de rulare uzate. Scopul este de a aduce drumurile la un standard mai sigur și mai fiabil - în special pe rutele cu trafic intens de marfă.

Aceasta nu va rezolva problema peste noapte, dar marchează o schimbare a priorităților - recunoașterea faptului că bunăstarea șoferilor începe cu elementele de bază și că o călătorie sigură și confortabilă depinde de drumuri bine întreținute.

Pentru flote, beneficiile în lanț includ mai puține reparații neplanificate, cereri de despăgubire mai mici și mai puține perioade de inactivitate pentru șoferi. Pentru șoferi, înseamnă mai puține zdruncinături, mai puțin stres și un lucru mai puțin de care să se îngrijoreze într-o tură lungă.

O rețea fiabilă

Bunăstarea șoferilor se află în centrul discuțiilor moderne privind transportul. Orele lungi de lucru, programele întârziate și facilitățile inadecvate și-au pus amprenta asupra lor. Dar cele mai recente planuri ale guvernului oferă speranțe pentru o rețea mai sigură și mai bine conectată.

Peste tot în Marea Britanie, facilitățile pentru șoferi s-au străduit să țină pasul cu cererea. Parcarea este adesea limitată, serviciile sunt întinse și multe zone de odihnă nu oferă confort și securitate - în special pentru operațiunile pe distanțe lungi. Acesta este motivul pentru care guvernul [îmbunătățește, de asemenea, mediul de conducere] (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-than-14-million-in-joint-government-and-industry-funding-to-boost-innovation-and-working-conditions-in-freight): parcări mai sigure, facilități de bunăstare mai bune și reforme de planificare pentru a accelera dezvoltarea de noi locații.

În același timp, se accelerează investițiile în centre de încărcare și realimentare pentru camioanele electrice și cu hidrogen. Moto, de exemplu, s-a angajat să instaleze peste 300 de încărcătoare electrice pentru camioane grele pe 23 de autostrăzi, în timp ce Ashford Truckstop este transformat într-un important centru de încărcare pentru transportul de marfă de peste Canalul Mânecii. Aceste instalații nu au doar rolul de a menține vehiculele în mișcare, ci și de a oferi șoferilor locuri sigure și bine echipate pentru a se odihni și a se reîncărca.

Dacă șoferii dvs. caută un loc sigur pentru a opri, aplicația noastră intruck le permite să identifice și să rezerve locuri de odihnă în Marea Britanie și Europa. [Aflați mai multe și descărcați-o aici] (https://intruckapp.com/)

Costul aglomerației

Blocajele de trafic, rutele imprevizibile și presiunea de a respecta termenele de livrare contribuie la stresul și oboseala șoferilor - și fac din drum un loc mai periculos.

Îmbunătățirile majore ale infrastructurii, cum ar fi Lower Thames Crossing, dublarea A66 și îmbunătățirea M60 Simister Island, sunt concepute pentru a reduce congestionarea și riscurile de accidente la unele dintre cele mai cunoscute puncte de blocaj din Regatul Unit.

În plus, există în continuare un impuls pentru introducerea instrumentelor digitale care sprijină călătorii mai sigure și mai ușoare. Alertele de trafic în timp real, sistemele inteligente de detectare și o mai bună gestionare a traficului îi vor ajuta pe managerii de flote și pe șoferi să reacționeze rapid la perturbări și să schimbe traseul acolo unde este necesar.

[Programul Drumuri digitale al autostrăzilor naționale] (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/digital-data-and-technology/digital-roads/) pregătește deja terenul, cu infrastructură inteligentă care poate detecta pericolele mai devreme, poate gestiona fluxurile de trafic mai inteligent și poate comunica actualizări mai clare, în timp real.

Ce înseamnă acest lucru pentru mobilitate?

Un pas înainte pentru mobilitate și bunăstarea conducătorilor auto. Efort național coordonat pentru a soluționa problema lipsei de infrastructură din Regatul Unit și pentru a moderniza drumurile într-un mod care să aducă beneficii șoferilor care se bazează cel mai mult pe ele.

Adevăratul test va fi punerea în aplicare. Transformarea finanțării în îmbunătățiri tangibile va necesita ascultarea conducătorilor auto, învățarea din experiența de primă linie și măsurarea succesului prin modul în care se simt drumurile - nu doar prin costul lor.

"Acest nou val de investiții nu se referă doar la reducerea timpilor de călătorie", spune Stuart Willetts, manager pentru dezvoltarea afacerilor în Regatul Unit, la SNAP. "Este vorba despre construirea unei rețele de transport care să sprijine bunăstarea șoferilor și eficiența operațională, precum și tranziția către o mobilitate curată. Suntem nerăbdători să vedem rezultatele."

Doriți să vedeți cum evoluează mobilitatea acolo unde vă aflați?

Utilizați Harta SNAP pentru a găsi servicii și soluții în apropierea dumneavoastră - indiferent de drumul pe care vă aflați.

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luni 22 septembrie 2025 • Știri și actualizări

BOOM-UL INFRASTRUCTURII DIN ROMÂNIA - CE ÎNSEAMNĂ PENTRU SECTORUL MOBILITĂȚII

Guest

Romania is fast emerging as a strategic logistics and freight hub in Southeastern Europe. Supported by billions in EU and national funding, the country’s infrastructure renaissance is attracting fleet operators, logistics investors and manufacturers. In this article, we explore what these developments mean for fleets, drivers and the wider transportation sector.Romania's transport infrastructure has seen a dramatic shift in pace and scale. The government has earmarked around 25 billion lei (£4.27 billion) for road projects in 2026, reflecting an unprecedented focus on highways and freight corridors. In mid‑2025, Romania had around 1,325km of highways in service (1,188 km motorways and 138 km expressways), with another 741km under construction and 669km in tendering stages.By 2030, Romania plans to double its highway network, modernise strategic railway routes, expand urban transport and connect regions that have long been isolated. The challenge is immense, but the outcome could transform the country’s position on Europe’s transport map.Key projects include the A7 north-south axis running from Ploiești to Siret, which will aid transport to the Ukrainian border, due for completion by 2026. Another is an 11km expressway connecting Satu Mare to Romania’s border with Hungary. The A0 Bucharest Ring Road will ease freight and passenger traffic around the capital, with the southern half already in use. Other major works include the Suceava-Oar and Timișoara-Moravița corridors, as well as the 2.9 km Meseș Tunnel, set to become the longest road tunnel in Romania.“These corridors won’t just improve east-west and north-south links – they will connect previously isolated regions like Moldavia and the North-East to the rest of the country and the EU,” comments Eduard Ularu, Business Development Manager at SNAP.But infrastructure isn’t just roads. over the Danube, opened in July 2023 at a cost of €500 million (€363 million co‑funded by the EU), delivers the first crossing over the maritime Danube and significantly improves connectivity to Constanța and Dobruja.Other vital developments include planned rail upgrades at Constanța port and DP World Romania’s €130 million expansion of container and ro-ro capacity, doubling throughput and adding logistics links by road and rail.Romania’s freight and logistics market is sizable. USD 21.11 billion in 2025, it is forecast to rise to USD 24.27 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the road freight segment alone is projected at USD 9.07 billion in 2025, climbing to USD 10.37 billion by 2030.These figures reflect Romania’s growing role as a trans-European corridor, serving routes from Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova and the Black Sea ports. Ukraine now directs much of its on the Black Sea coast, eyeing a doubling from 2 million to 4 million tons per month through Romanian infrastructure.“These investments will help Romania compete more strongly with major logistics hubs like those in Poland and Greece,” comments Eduard Ularu. “Constanța has huge potential, and with the right infrastructure in place, it can finally become the gateway for European trade it was meant to be.”Improved warehousing, lower labour costs, and friend‑shoring trends are further encouraging manufacturers and retailers to locate logistics centres in Romania, increasing demand on roads and pushing growth across the network. The infrastructure upgrades aren’t just physical – they’re digital too. As the country expands its highways and freight corridors, it’s embedding smart systems designed to support faster, safer and more efficient journeys.Across the network, are being installed, including weigh-in-motion sensors, inductive traffic loops and roadside cameras. These systems will feed into real-time traffic control centres in cities like Bucharest, Brașov and Timișoara, helping authorities—and fleet operators—respond to incidents and congestion faster.Bucharest is also , using AI and smart detectors to optimise vehicle flows and reduce bottlenecks. This has major implications for freight operators navigating dense urban areas, improving travel time reliability and reducing idling.At a national level, Romania is shifting towards . The new TollRO system – planned for launch in 2026 – will replace the current e-vignette with a distance-based, emissions-sensitive tolling model, in line with EU directives. This change could encourage cleaner fleets and offer fairer pricing for logistics operators who invest in low-emission vehicles.For drivers, this means fewer delays, clearer real-time information, and more responsive road conditions. For operators, it’s a chance to futureproof fleet planning, route management and sustainability strategies.For fleets and drivers, Romania’s modernisation brings both benefits and trade‑offs. Perhaps most importantly, it’s likely to result in improved network efficiency. With smoother routes and faster corridors, the investments are likely to reduce travel times and idling. Dangerous single-lane national roads will gradually be replaced by safer, faster highways. This will increase productivity and also reduce the time drivers spend behind the wheel. However, it’s not all positive. Ongoing works on motorways like A7 and A8 may cause delays and route changes while the works are undertaken. It could also mean higher freight volumes (especially at Constanța and border crossings), which may strain existing infrastructure.“Right now, construction zones like DN2 and parts of the A0 Bucharest Ring Road are causing detours and bottlenecks,” Ularu explains. “Trucks are losing hours on routes that should take minutes – and that impacts everything from fuel budgets to delivery reliability.”In addition, new corridors, tighter safety rules, and shifting road-use charges require greater compliance attention.Despite infrastructure gains, secure rest parking and welfare facilities remain patchy in some freight corridors, especially near border areas and major hubs. Construction zones often lack formal lay-by zones, leaving drivers exposed and with nowhere to rest.“We’re still seeing dangerous stopovers and overcrowded lay-bys on key freight routes,” says Eduard. “Modern highways will bring dedicated service and rest areas every 30–50 kilometres, complete with fuel stations, shops, and food courts. For drivers, this means safer places to park, with proper lighting, CCTV surveillance and secure rest zones that reduce the risk of theft. Sanitary facilities such as showers and clean toilets – a rarity on national roads – will finally become the norm.”SNAP is addressing this gap through its interactive parking map across Romania. Drivers can easily locate trusted, secure truck parking, book spots in advance where available, and plan safer routes via the SNAP map.Planning a journey through Romania? Use the SNAP map to find secure, driver‑friendly parking along key freight routes.This infrastructure modernisation process also plays a key role in enabling greener logistics. With a better flow of traffic, there will be lower levels of emissions caused by idle vehicles and stop-start driving.There will also be transport corridor upgrades to support emerging EV and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Romania’s infrastructure investment marks a pivotal change for freight and mobility across Southeastern Europe. For fleets, this translates into faster corridors, deeper logistics capacity, and higher volumes of trade but also closer scrutiny of welfare, compliance and resilience.As a forward-thinking industry leader, SNAP advocates for well-informed operations, flexible route planning, and driver-focused tools that support both safety and efficiency. Romania is not only modernising – it's reshaping how goods move across the region.“This isn’t just about roads – it’s about resilience, sustainability and building a smarter freight future across Europe. Romania is right at the heart of that shift,” Eduard states.

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miercuri 03 septembrie 2025 • Știri și actualizări

ESTE LOGISTICA O NOUĂ ALTERNATIVĂ LA CONTINUAREA STUDIILOR PENTRU CEI CARE PĂRĂSESC ȘCOALA?

Guest

For years, the conventional wisdom has been that school leavers should continue into further education. Whether that meant college, university or vocational training, the message was the same: study first, then work. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Faced with rising tuition fees, increasing debt and uncertainty about the value of a degree, many young people are re-evaluating their choices.At the same time, the logistics industry is crying out for new talent. It offers immediate earnings, structured development and long-term career prospects – all without the cost of higher education. The question is no longer whether logistics could be a stopgap option for school leavers but whether it represents a genuine alternative to university.The need for fresh entrants to logistics is pressing. (RHA) has warned that the UK must recruit 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years – the equivalent of 40,000 drivers annually – to keep supply chains moving and prevent a repeat of the shortages experienced in 2021.Zooming out to the European level, the challenge is even starker. In 2023, Europe faced a – a figure forecast to climb to 745,000 by 2028 if left unaddressed. The average driver is 47 years old, with nearly 30% aged over 55, underscoring an approaching retirement wave. Yet only 5% of drivers are under 25. Without younger entrants, the industry risks grinding to a halt.This is not simply about filling cabs. It’s about safeguarding the smooth functioning of economies. The shortage of drivers has ripple effects that touch everything from supermarket shelves to construction projects. In : “If we’re to future-proof the industry for the long term, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually to meet demand. With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options.”Meanwhile, data shows that in June 2025, youth unemployment across the EU was 14.7%, with 2.857 million young people out of work, which has remained steady month-on-month. These figures reveal a significant opportunity gap for school leavers. At a time when many face bleak prospects, logistics presents a path of clarity, training, and financial independence.The perception of logistics as a last-resort job is giving way to recognition of its tangible benefits. A recent highlights factors such as job security, reliable pay, flexible working patterns and the chance to travel. For many, it is precisely this combination of benefits that makes logistics stand out. In addition, apprenticeships and graduate-style schemes allow young recruits to build qualifications while gaining hands-on experience. As Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP comments: “For school leavers, logistics isn’t just an alternative. It’s a fast track to a skilled, future-ready career. You begin building experience and independence straightaway, without the costs or delays of university.”While driving is the most visible role, logistics encompasses far more. School leavers can move into warehousing, planning, technology, or customer service, before progressing into leadership. The digitalisation of logistics has also created demand for new skills – data analysis, route optimisation, and sustainability management – that appeal to a generation of digital natives.SNAP, for example, works with fleets across Europe to provide digital tools that support drivers’ wellbeing, help them find safe parking, and streamline daily operations. These investments are not just about efficiency – they are about making logistics a credible and attractive career path.“The industry needs fresh faces with digital skills, resilience and a modern outlook,” Bellamy continues. “School leavers bring exactly that – and attracting more women will help us adapt even faster.”Diversity is one of the greatest untapped opportunities in logistics. According to , women account for just 23% of employees in transport and storage across Europe and Central Asia. The European data is even more concerning when it comes to drivers specifically: .Encouraging more young women into logistics careers – whether as drivers, planners, or managers – is essential. It not only broadens the talent pool but also changes the culture of the industry, making it more representative and resilient. Highlighting female role models, creating inclusive training environments, and improving welfare facilities are practical steps that can make logistics more appealing to all.Too often, it is portrayed as a male-dominated and physically demanding industry. And while those stereotypes may once have held some truth, they are increasingly outdated. Today’s logistics sector relies as much on technology and teamwork as it does on physical labour.For logistics to compete with further education, the industry must deliver on three fronts:● Training pathways – offering apprenticeships, certifications and mentorship to give recruits a sense of progression.● Welfare and facilities – ensuring that drivers, particularly younger and more diverse entrants, have access to safe parking, clean rest stops and supportive environments.● Career storytelling – showcasing the variety of roles and long-term potential within the sector.For operators, the business case is clear. already report that they cannot expand because of driver shortages. Nearly half cite falling productivity, and 39% say revenues are declining. Without change, shortages will not just limit growth – they will erode the bottom line.The debate over further education versus work will never be one-size-fits-all. Some young people will continue to thrive in universities and colleges. But logistics is a viable, forward-looking option.For school leavers, it means immediate pay, independence and scope for progression. For the industry, it means tapping into a pool of talent that is urgently needed. For society, it means strengthening the resilience of an essential sector.The challenge now lies with the industry to match its demand with vision: to provide training, welfare, and opportunities that rival those offered by further education. If it succeeds, logistics will not just be an alternative to university – it will be an advantage.

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joi 07 august 2025 • Știri și actualizări

ÎN FORMULA PREMIER TRUCKTOP: EXPLORAREA SUCCESULUI LOR ȘI A RELAȚIEI CU 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