ITF calls for urgent investment in safe, secure and dignified rest areas as part of Safe Rates
The Belgian Transport Workers’ Union (BTB-ABVV) has released the 11th edition of its Black Book on motorway parking areas in Belgium, once again sounding the alarm on unsafe, overcrowded and inadequate conditions for professional lorry, bus and coach drivers.
The Black Book was launched yesterday (5 October) at four motorway parking areas across Belgium. The report is based on visits to more than 50 parking areas in Belgium and abroad, and on a survey of over 400 drivers, highlights the same recurring failures: a lack of spaces, a lack of safety, and a lack of comfort.
“This new black is yet another cry for help to policymakers,” said Tom Peeters, Deputy Federal Secretary BTB Road Transport and Logistics. “But at the same time, it is also a guide for anyone who wants to build a fair and humane parking policy, because our heroes of the road deserve better.”
Parking and Safe Rates: the missing link
The Black Book makes clear that poor parking conditions are not just a question of convenience but of health and safety. Fatigued drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, while insecure sites expose them to theft, harassment and even violence.
“Drivers can only work safely if they can rest safely,” said Flemming Overgaard, ITF Road Transport Section Chair. “Drivers who are underpaid and squeezed by unfair contracts are forced to cut corners on rest and safety. When clients pay a fair price for transport, companies can afford to invest in proper rest and safety infrastructure.”
Belgium is a crossroads of Europe’s transport network, but its parking conditions remain substandard. Policymakers must invest in secure, well-equipped parking – this is a matter of dignity, respect and road safety.”
Drivers demand action
Survey results show that:
- 80% of drivers feel unsafe at Belgian parking areas at least sometimes, with theft and crime common.
- Toilets and showers are often dirty, broken or non-existent.
- Healthy, affordable food is scarce; drivers are left with overpriced fast food.
- A shortage of spaces forces drivers into unsafe or illegal parking, including on hard shoulders.
- Digital tools like real-time occupancy apps remain underdeveloped compared to neighbouring countries
BTB’s Black Book includes key policy demands, including:
- A federal masterplan for HGV parking areas.
- Certification of Belgian sites under European Safe & Secure Parking Area (SSPA) standards.
- Provide basic amenities at every motorway parking area.
- Implement real-time parking information across the whole of Belgium.
- Provide a safe environment with social controls.
- Make the parking policy part of a national Safe Rates model.
- Create an inter-federal consultation platform with all stakeholders.
- Ensure that drivers can comply with European rules on long rest periods including ensuring that hotel facilities are provided.
- This all must be supported in terms of regulations, specifications and financially.
Enough excuses – time to invest
Belgium’s drivers and BTB are calling for urgent action. The union says that despite billions in revenue following into government coffers from lorry kilometre charges, that the Flemish Government has failed to channel this funding into decent parking infrastructure.
Frank Moreels, President of BTB: "It is high time that the government used this money to provide the necessary infrastructure for the sector. This means not only road maintenance, but also the construction and maintenance of parking facilities and the necessary amenities. The Flemish government has just implemented yet another increase in this kilometre charge, so it is time to use this budget for what it is intended: better infrastructure and facilities for the transport sector."
The ITF stands in full solidarity with BTB-ABVV and transport unions across Europe fighting for safe and fair conditions on the road. A safe transport system requires Safe Rates, safe rest, and safe parking.
Read the full Black Book here and learn more about the ITF Safe Rates campaign here.
