Network North: How will it benefit truck drivers?

One of the biggest challenges drivers face is finding safe parking facilities. revealed that many feel the security in place at truck stops isn’t to a satisfactory standard.Let’s delve into the various aspects that contribute to secure truck parking from the drivers' perspective, exploring the essential measures and amenities. On top of this, we’ll look into the overall environment that fosters a sense of protection. Truckers need to park to comply with strict regulations regarding rest periods. Plus, they require locations where they can rest, refuel, and refresh without the . With approximately 81% of freight transported by road, the demand for secure truck parking really is critical for the industry’s success. Inadequate measures can lead to severe repercussions, including cargo theft, vehicle damage, and personal safety concerns. This has caused – it can deter them from taking breaks and ultimately affect their performance on the road.A fundamental aspect of secure truck parking is the implementation of physical barriers. Robust perimeter fencing is vital in preventing unauthorised access. Controlled entry and exit points, such as gates that require keycard or code access, are a necessity. Such measures significantly reduce the likelihood of intrusions and enhance overall safety.Effective lighting is also imperative. Well-lit areas discourage criminal activity and provide drivers with a sense of protection and the confidence to navigate truck stops, particularly during the nighttime. Comprehensive video surveillance is another important aspect. CCTV cameras should cover the entire parking facility, enabling constant monitoring and recording of activities. Many truckers appreciate knowing their vehicles and cargo are under 24/7 surveillance, as it may prove an effective deterrent to potential criminals.The presence of trained security personnel adds an extra layer of protection. Guards can respond promptly to incidents, assist, and maintain a visible presence that enhances the overall feeling of safety. Truckers are often more at ease knowing there are professionals on-site to handle any issues that may arise.Having easily accessible emergency communication systems is key – there should be emergency call boxes or intercom systems, which allow drivers to quickly contact security or crisis services if needed. In remote areas where immediate assistance may not be readily available, this feature is particularly crucial.Clean and well-maintained toilets and showers are also highly valued, especially on long journeys. Measures should extend to these facilities to ensure that they’re locked and under surveillance – this will not only increase driver comfort, but also contribute to their overall sense of safety.While not directly related to secure truck parking, additional amenities can significantly enhance the overall comfort of a parking area. The likes of food and beverage options, WiFi access, and electrical hookups for refrigerated trailers make for a more welcoming space. Basic maintenance services can also be beneficial, allowing truckers to address minor issues without leaving the premises.A secure truck parking facility should also effectively look after drivers. A great deal shared that they feel undervalued at certain locations, which can negatively impact their experience. Those that treat truckers with respect and provide a friendly atmosphere encourage repeat visits and foster loyalty.Investing in staff training is imperative to improving this. Employees should understand the unique needs of truckers and know how to provide excellent customer service.It’s important to know that female drivers, who make up a small percentage of the trucking workforce, often face additional challenges regarding safety. Many women report feeling unsafe in predominantly male environments, particularly when truck stops lack adequate security measures – it’s vital to consider their specific needs and take steps to ensure they’re both safe and happy.Another consideration is that some truckers have specific dietary needs. So, offering healthy food options and catering to various dietary requirements can enhance their experience and contribute to the positive wellbeing of drivers.Innovations such as smart surveillance systems, automated entry controls, and real-time monitoring can significantly improve measures. Truck stops that invest in solutions like these have a greater chance of attracting more fleets and drivers who are seeking safe options.Addressing challenges in this space requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, logistics companies, and parking facility operators. By working together, these groups can develop comprehensive strategies to better security and the entire experience for truckers.Advocating for policy changes that prioritise the needs of drivers is crucial for creating safer environments. Industry organisations and advocacy groups can play a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of secure truck parking and pushing for legislative changes that support infrastructure improvements.Here at SNAP, we prioritise the safety of drivers and help truck parks do so through our dedicated Access & Security division. From to to to to , we’ll put in place everything to best protect truckers, vehicles, and cargo for , , , and more. You can learn more about , or discover our other services (like parking and washing) on the .

A from independent watchdog, Transport Focus, found that nearly half of lorry drivers aren’t satisfied with the amount and quality of truck stops in England. They feel the latter has deteriorated in the last year too. Here at SNAP, we have a network of offering superior services (in fact, we’ll soon be launching our own awards celebrating the best truck stops!). So, if there are plenty of great ones out there, it begs the question: why are drivers so unhappy? First, let’s take a look at what they’re not content with. Drivers are saying they don’t feel welcome and safe at every stop. On top of this, they’re unable to properly rest or enjoy a good meal. Some of the feedback included that there’s not always available or clean showers and toilets. A female driver also commented that there isn’t a shower in the women’s bathroom – meaning she had no choice but to go into the men’s to wash. However, it’s important to point out the statistics are from those who opted to take their breaks at these rest stops, so there is likely some level of fulfilment. What’s more, the survey only asked drivers about their experience at a third of the total number of truck stops, motorway services, and those on A roads in England. Plus, there were many truck parks achieving satisfactory scores of at least 95%, with overall contentment at 86%. So, perhaps the problem isn’t as big as it seems. Though, the industry certainly can’t ignore it – especially given what our findings uncovered. We found that 70% of drivers chose lay-bys over service stations or truck stops, with a key reason being insufficient security. For instance, they’ve experienced the likes of having their curtains cut previously. Though, it’s worth noting that in 2023, Cambridgeshire police reported , compared to 27% at service stations – which suggests maybe drivers are putting their worry in the wrong place. On our social media pages, over half of lorry drivers revealed that they thought the UK’s rest stops weren’t safe and secure in comparison to those in Europe. And for spaces that do have a higher level of protection, 70% have seen these full by the early evening. Although this implies there’s an insufficient amount to meet demand, many of our sites have fantastic security. So, for those that don’t, they should consider how to improve this. We provide a variety of services to better the experience all round – including our industry-leading security packages via SNAP Access & Security. From and to , we ensure the best protection for truck stops and therefore drivers and all cargo. You can learn more about , or discover our other services (like parking and washing) .

Scheduled to launch in November but delayed due to concerns, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area requiring anyone with a UK passport to register biometric details such as fingerprints or a photo. EES will replace manually stamping passports when visitors enter the EU. We've collated everything you'll need to know ahead of the change.Any country using the EES will require the following information from travellers:• Place of entry and exit• Date of entry and exit• Travel documents.The EES has the following benefits:• It modernises the management of the EU's external borders improving the experience for those travelling. • The EES combats identity fraud by collecting biometric data.• It can identify overstayers and reliably provides data on entries, exits, and refusals. • Improved border checks, electronic records, and biometric data will strengthen the security within the EU.• It provides real-time information sharing allowing border authorities across the EU to see the correct information at the right time. In the long term, the new EES will streamline operations and benefit non-EU travellers. However, there are several concerns surrounding the new system:• At least three EU countries are not fully prepared for the launch.• Several countries may not be able to introduce the advanced biometric system.• No proper testing of the system occurred at the Port of Dover one of the UK's busiest crossings.• The initial launch could cause increased delays at border checkpoints. Further delays to the official launch of the EES could eradicate several of these concerns. UK HGV operators have expressed concerns regarding the 90 days out of 180 Schengen travel limit maintaining regular business operations within the EU could be challenging. Fleet companies with non-EU drivers could face travel restrictions or fines if the limit is exceeded. There isn't much that fleets and drivers can do to prepare for the new system most of it will occur in person at the port. However, fleets and drivers can take the following measures to ensure a smooth transition:• When booking travel, ensure you have all the information required before travelling to the port. • Know what to expect when you arrive practical differences mean the process will vary in different places. • Allow enough time to complete pre-travel formalities especially if you are travelling close to the start date.The following countries will be using the EES:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.There are several exemptions to the new EES:• Nationals of the countries using the EES (Including Cyprus and Ireland).• Non-EU nationals immediately related to an EU citizen. They must hold a residence card.• Any non-EU national who holds a residence card or permit immediately related to a non-EU national can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen. • Citizens with a residence permit or long-stay visa. • Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino.• People with a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.• Anyone exempt from border checks (such as heads of state or cross-border workers)• Citizens holding a valid local border traffic permit.• Crew of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys. • Anyone not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points during fixed opening hours.If you fail to provide the required personal information, you will be denied entry to EU countries using the EES. For fleet companies, this could result in a loss of income if their drivers do not provide the relevant information.Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted under the new EES. Automated systems to cross the border require a biometric passport.