European truck parking infrastructure shortages

Authorities in Flanders and the Netherlands are implementing infrastructure plans to address critical shortages of truck parking spaces.

In Flanders, the Minister of Mobility and the Agency for Roads and Traffic have introduced a strategic plan to add between 500 and 800 new spaces over the next decade. This €100 million initiative involves renovating 13 existing service areas and adding three new ones to ensure rest areas are available approximately every 30 kilometers. Despite these efforts, the Flemish Mobility Council MORA has characterized the shortage as “acute and growing,” suggesting a need for at least 1,800 additional spaces.

Similarly, the Netherlands has allocated €43 million to expand facilities, particularly to address issues in provinces like Overijssel where parking areas frequently reach capacity. The shortage has led to drivers parking on hard shoulders or in residential areas to comply with mandatory rest regulations. Industry experts from Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) warn that current investments may be insufficient, with the national deficit projected to rise from 4,000 to 7,000 spaces by 2040.