In early March, ESPORG – the European Secure Parking Organisation undertook a dedicated “Tour de France”— a journey not just measured in kilometres, but in partnerships, ideas and shared ambition for safer parking. From 11 to 13 March, ESPORG General Manager Dirk Penasse and Frédéric Maas, Delegate of the ESPORG Board visited parking members and ESPORG partners, engaging directly with those who are shaping the future of transport and logistics every day.
On this occasion, ESPORG attended ASECAP Road Safety Conference in Chambéry, hosted by ASECAP- Association Européenne des Concessionnaires d’Autoroutes et d’ouvrages à Péage and ASFA, the French Motorway companies association. ESPORG’s General Manager Dirk Penasse discussed with the road toll operators from ASECAP and said “We appreciate the partnership with ASECAP and believe it is a mutually beneficial cooperation as safe and secure parking areas play a pivotal role for the motorway network, as also our discussions at the conference showed.”
Visiting ESPORG Members, Advancing Secure Parking in France
Dirk Penasse and Frédéric Maas undertook a regional Tour de France, visiting many of ESPORG members and partners in France. Meeting with organisations such as Seebee, Certas Energy France, Getlink and EDF, as well as visiting operational sites like the Park+ Parking Poids Lourds in Réau, ESPORG gained valuable insights into both the progress and the challenges shaping the parking infrastructure sector.
“As a result, we understand that safe and secure parking in France is picking up but that significant administrative hurdles remain. Information and best practices are key to enable a coherent rollout across France.” said Frederic Maas.
During each meeting, Dirk Penasse and Frédéric Maas presented ESPORG’s latest initiatives, focusing on EU Parking standard certification, EU-level developments and industry best practices and initiatives, like the European Wellbeing Initiative and the voluntary green parking standard launched recently by ESPORG. Discussions centered on how ESPORG can better support its members and partners in developing high-quality parking areas that meet the security requirements of the EU Parking standard.
But ESPORG Tour de France was more than a series of fruitful meetings —it was a strategic effort to deepen collaboration, share expertise, and accelerate the development of secure parking infrastructure across France.
France is clearly moving forward. Investment in safe and secure parking is increasing and ESPORG members such as Certas Energy, Getlink, Park+ and Park My Truck are actively developing and operating facilities that respond to real needs on the ground. At the same time, EDF’s role as a technical partner highlights the growing link between parking infrastructure and the energy transition, as the sector prepares for a more sustainable future.
“We are proud to have EDF as a technical partner, and proud of our members Certas Energy, Getlink, Park+ and Park My Truck who operate and build parking areas across France.” concluded Dirk Penasse.
The Tour de France reinforced the importance of collaboration across the entire road transport ecosystem—from infrastructure operators and energy providers to policymakers and industry associations. Strengthening these partnerships will be crucial to delivering a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for European logistics. ESPORG remains committed to supporting its members, fostering dialogue and advocating for the development of secure truck parking as a fundamental pillar of Europe’s transport network.
