Netherlands allocates €43 million to address truck parking shortage

A significant shortage of truck parking spaces is causing operational and safety issues across the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Overijssel along the A1 and A28 motorways. Research commissioned by the province indicates that parking and service areas are frequently full during the evenings and nights.

International drivers report being forced to park in unauthorized areas, such as residential neighborhoods, business parks, or hard shoulders, to avoid violating mandatory driving time regulations. This unauthorized parking creates hazardous traffic situations and local disturbances.

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has allocated 43 million euros to develop and expand truck parking facilities in collaboration with provinces and the transport sector. However, industry experts from Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) warn that this investment alone will not resolve the deficit. Projections suggest that the current shortage of approximately 4,000 spaces nationwide could rise to 7,000 by 2040 without further large-scale measures and investments.