How Secure is Parking Along Motorways?

Publication date: 30 August 2010

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

Brussels 30th August 2010

Truck cargo accounts for nearly 75 per cent of all goods transported over land in Europe. Over eight billion Euros worth of truck cargo is stolen in Europe each year. The absence of security at many of the existing motorway locations available for truck parking results in audacious cases of cargo theft daily.  

EuroTest examined service levels and security standards in the 50 TPA facilities across 11 EU countries. Contributing to “LABEL” an EU project targeting a pan-European TPAs certification scheme, tests were conducted incognito according to a list of 150 criteria, with two visits on different days per TPA - one by day and one by night.  Only two TPAs scored top marks in both areas: Ashford International Truckstop in the UK and Autoparco Brescia Est in Italy. By far security – including perimeter and parking area security, entrance/exit surveillance, security staff and incident procedures – gives the greatest cause for concern.

The result of TPA test is alarming. Only 14 out of 50 TPAs examined have an acceptable level of security. Lone drivers – usually foreigners – HGVs standing at night unprotected, loaded with valuable cargos worth millions, in parking areas on motorways – robbery could not be made easier.

Sufficient numbers of safe and secure motorway TPAs with adequate security and service levels are urgently needed if large scale highway robbery is to be abated. The current shortage results in trucks over crowding parking areas on motorways intended for cars, impacting on safety and comfort for motorists. Moreover, given the strict driving times HGV drivers must respect in the interest of road safety, much more information is needed on available TPAs.


For detailed results of the TPA test and for clubs contacts visit: http://www.eurotestmobility.com


ENDS


Notes to editors

1. The tests on-spot were carried out between 8 and 23 December 2009.
2. 50 TPAs in eleven countries were tested: two in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands, six in Italy and the UK, eight in France and Spain, as well as ten in Germany.
3. Through EuroTest – an international testing programme for consumer protection, 17 automobile clubs in 16 countries, members of the FIA, have been putting the quality and safety of mobility in Europe to the test since 2000 for the benefit of their members and all mobile consumers in Europe. The EuroTest partners have constantly called for Europe where the mobile consumer can circulate freely using quality infrastructure and in safety.