Since 2013, truck traffic in Denmark has been steadily increasing, creating an unprecedented demand for secure parking. Europe’s first EU platinum-certified parking centre, Recharge City, is now operational, providing a secure fenced area for trucks. This development is highly praised by Danish Road Haulage Contractors, as truck drivers are eager to park in such secure environments.
From 2022 to 2023, the total transport work for Danish trucks grew by eight percent. However, secured parking spaces along Europe’s roads remain scarce. This is starting to change with the opening of Recharge City on the E45 motorway between Horsens and Hedensted in Denmark. As Europe’s first parking and charging centre with EU platinum certification, this initiative is warmly welcomed by the trade organisation for the Danish transport industry, Danske Vognmænd: “This is a highly demanded and attractive initiative. Previously, high-value goods were typically stolen from lorries, but now even items like toilet paper are targeted. Therefore, secure parking is essential to prevent theft and ensure driver safety,” says Frank Davidsen, Deputy Director at DTL, Danske Vognmænd.
In 2022, the EU introduced new standards categorising parking areas into four security levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Recharge City has achieved platinum certification, representing the highest level of security. Denmark’s leading supplier of fences and barriers fenced the 270,000 square metre area, meeting exceptionally high requirements.
“The requirements were extremely specific, demanding meticulous attention to detail. While we are accustomed to safety requirements, this project required everyone to exceed expectations. Installers had to deliver precision work, and our instructions to the customer had to be continuously double-checked with the safety guide,” says Claus L. Dalsgaard, Project Manager at Heras | SER Hegn A/S.
For the Recharge City team, the objective has always been to create a facility with the highest security clearance, making it crucial for all involved parties to deliver top-notch standards. “This massive project demanded the very best from our many partners. Safety was the foundation, and Heras Hegn demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the process,” says Kasper Juel, Project Manager, Recharge City.
Under the EU standards, certified parking facilities must be no more than 100 kilometres apart on the TEN-T network. Heras Hegn, a leading fence supplier, is already seeing increased demand for similar solutions across Europe.
“Recharge City is pioneering, and we are seeing growing demand for fencing solutions for similar facilities across Europe. Safety in the transport industry has become a major focus, and we are involved in many upcoming projects requiring this type of solution,” says Claus L. Dalsgaard.
According to DTL, this development is progressing well, and they are pleased to see private initiatives like Recharge City offering optimised solutions for drivers.
“Monitored car parks are scarce in Europe. While legislation is addressing this issue, Recharge City has set a new standard. Their focus on top-notch security and good conditions is very encouraging,” says Frank Davidsen.