Trucking Magazine – July 2019

http://www.truckingmag.co.uk Summer 2019 TRUCKING 17

While the number of vehicles parked

overnight has risen by 36 per cent, the amount

of on-site spaces at truck parks and MSAs has

only increased by 14 per cent.

especially stretched, experiencing
average utilisation of 97 per cent, 87 per
cent and 84 per cent respectively. Only a
small proportion of onsite parking
facilities even offer security features –
with just over 25 per cent having
implemented measures such as
perimeter fencing and CCTV.
Counties located in the centre of the
UK’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of logistics –
Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and
Nottinghamshire – experience some of
the highest levels of cargo theft and
off-site parking in the UK. This is likely
due to the high volume and value of
freight movements from logistic
businesses and warehousing operations
in the area.
Load theft and the lack of secure
parking are national issues that are
inextricably linked. For both the welfare
of a driver and the protection of a
trailer’s cargo, it’s vital to ensure
vehicles are stopped in a safe location.

Protecting cargo &
keeping drivers safe
Drivers and transport operators will be
well aware of the many ways they can
keep their vehicles and cargo safe. But
it’s helpful to recap the simple things
that can help reduce the chances of
becoming a victim.

In the first instance, prepare for the

journey ahead. Try to avoid using the

same routes and stops – regular

transport patterns could make vehicles

an easier target. Plan where to stop

overnight before setting off, and look for

a location where parking spaces can be

pre-booked for added peace of mind.

For transport operators, smart

payment systems can reduce the risk of

theft to drivers staying in their cabs and

can help to encourage the use of secure

parking facilities. SNAP Account is one

example, enabling itemised billing for

operators, cashless payment and

pre-booking for secure parking locations

at truck parks across the country. Fuel

cards can also be used by drivers to fill

up on the move without having to worry

about carrying cash on their person.

Once stopped for the night, there are

several ways drivers can help to secure a

vehicle and its payload. Don’t leave any

personal items on view and make sure

any shipping orders or consignment

notes are protected from prying eyes.

Keep details of your payload between

you, your transport office and your

customer. If you leave your truck, make

sure it is locked with alarms set – and

when returning to your cab, check there

are no signs of tampering to your truck

or trailer.

What to look for in a

secure parking area

To be confident a truck stop or truck

park offers secure parking, it’s best to

check for the features that indicate best

practice. The parking area should be

well-lit with either security or overhead

lighting, and surrounded by secure

perimeter fencing higher than 1.8 m.

CCTV that monitors the perimeter and

the entrance, paired with regular

surveillance patrols and onsite staff

are also a must. It’s also important to