The European Commission is to spend €3.5m on setting up secure truck stops for hauliers having to wait at the frontier between the European Union (EU) and Russia.
Due to lengthy delays in cargo processing, "truck drivers are compelled to spend several days in a queue of many kilometres on the border", stated a Brussels announcement. "This situation threatens not only road safety and drivers' security but also creates a damaging environmental and social situation."
As a result,
the Commission is to grant up to 70% of the costs of building rest areas at the Vaalimaa-Torpjanovka crossing (Finland/Russia) Narva-Ivangorod (Estonia/Russia) and Terehova-Burachki (Latvia/Russia). These would include "an appropriate number of secure parking slots which are equipped with security... with adequate facilities for long rest for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles," the EC declared.
The Commission noted road goods transport between the EU and its eastern neighbours, including Russia, will continue growing, making delays even worse.
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