Advancing safe truck parking in Europe

Truck parking data platform

Current digital tools for finding secure parking in Europe are fragmented and often unreliable. Various apps claim to guide hauliers to safe and secure parking locations, often by listing sites certified under schemes such as Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA). Yet there is no guarantee that the information provided is accurate or up to date.

The Safe and Secure Parking Areas – SSPA are certified according to legislative standards – platinum, gold, silver and bronze established by the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the establishment of standards detailing the level of service and security of safe and secure parking areas and to the procedures for their certification. According to EU legislation, Member States are to encourage the creation of parking space for commercial road users. The EU Parking Standard is audited by audit entities that comply with the ISO 17021 standard.

The map and list of all certified SSPAs are published on the European Commission’s website eu-parkings.eu, which is a reliable source. This information can only be found on the European Commission’s website and not in other digital applications.

However, some apps fail to distinguish between certified and non-certified sites, while others may omit key certifications altogether or fail to highlight when certification lapses. Although TAPA highlights its certified parking locations on its own platform, this does not include SSTPA-certified sites, leaving users with an incomplete picture of available options. The EU’s own platform for secure parking needs also to provide more information on the SSPAs like location details, available services for professional drivers.

Some apps fail to distinguish between certified and non-certified sites, while others may omit key certifications altogether

The website of the European Secure Parking Organisation – ESPORG also provides an updated map and list of parking areas operated by ESPORG members, including both the EC certified SSPAs, but also the parking areas under construction or not yet certified: esporg.eu/sstpas/sstpas-map/

Without a unified, verified source of truth, drivers are left to navigate a patchwork of tools that may not reflect real-time conditions or current certification status. This lack of consistency undermines trust and limits the effectiveness of digital solutions intended to improve safety.

One of the most promising recent developments is the creation of a digital platform for truck parking data, spearheaded ESPORG. This initiative aims to centralise and standardise information on parking availability, security features and compliance with safety standards. By connecting local parking management systems to a European-wide access point, the platform enhances visibility for drivers and operators alike, enabling better planning and reducing the risk of theft or intrusion.

Deterring criminal activity

Technology is also playing a pivotal role in detecting and deterring criminal activity. For example, new systems capable of identifying clusters of wireless devices are being deployed to detect the presence of hidden individuals in cargo vehicles – an important tool in the fight against human trafficking. These systems can alert authorities to potential threats, enabling faster response times and improving safety at high-risk locations.

Conclusion

Safe and secure truck parking is not just a matter of convenience – it is a critical part of supply chain resilience. Across Europe, efforts are underway to modernise infrastructure, improve data integration and establish common standards that protect both drivers and cargo. Initiatives such as the ESPORG digital platform for truck parking data aim to incentivise best practices without penalising operators. Insurance providers, including TT Club, are also exploring innovative ways to support secure truck parking through tailored products. As the transport and logistics landscape evolves, European organisations are taking meaningful steps to enhance the safety and efficiency of truck parking. Through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to security, the region is setting a benchmark for others to follow – ensuring that drivers, cargo and communities stay protected on Europe’s roads.

First published August 2025