Brussels, 16 April 2026 — Today, ESPORG brought together its members for an exclusive, highly interactive online workshop dedicated to one of the transport sector’s most urgent priorities: improving drivers’ wellbeing through better parking environments.
Dedicated to “Home Away from Home – Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere for Drivers in Safe & Secure Parkings”, the webinar went beyond theory, offering concrete solutions to transform truck parking areas into spaces of dignity, comfort and human connection.
At the heart of the discussion was a simple but powerful idea: truck drivers should not just stop — they should feel welcomed.
“Creating a ‘home away from home’parking is not just an added value — it is a necessity. When drivers feel respected and cared for, we improve not only their wellbeing, but also safety, retention and the overall resilience of the transport sector. The ‘Home Away from Home’ Award and our new training module on the EU Parking Academy will help more sites turn good parking into great experiences” said Druselia Betea, Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative – EWELLIN.
„Home Away from Home” Training: From Parking Lots to Welcoming Spaces
The workshop introduced participants to the “Home Away from Home” concept and new training program of the EU Parking Academy, focusing on how safe and secure parking areas can understand the needs of truck drivers, care for woman drivers and create a “Home Away from Home” Experience for them. Key elements include access to exercise facilities, healthy food, relaxation areas, social spaces and well-trained staff — all contributing to a stronger sense of wellbeing and satisfaction among drivers.
Participants heard directly from three leading parking operators who shared inspiring solutions redefining the concept of truck parking across Europe:
Alexandre Lecea – Truck Etape Béziers (France), Winner of the 2026 Home Away from Home Award, showcased a hospitality-first approach, treating drivers as “guests” with fundametal rights.This approach demonstrates how comfort, dignity and safety can coexist with operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark for the sector.
Gema Sánchez Sanz – Andamur La Junquera (Spain), representing one of the first parks qualified for the 2026 award, presented a holistic “driver care” philosophy built around recognising the human value of drivers. Andamur’s approach highlights how wellbeing extends beyond rest — it includes health, community and quality of life on the road.
Jorge Bernet Fernandez – mowizTRUCK Wellbeing Ambassador (Spain), presented the little things that make a great difference for driver wellbeing at mowizTRUCK parking areas, reinforcing the idea that innovation can amplify human-centred services.
Across all contributions, several key principles emerged:
- Safety as a foundation
- Cleanliness and hygiene as a sign of respect
- Healthy food and physical activity options
- Spaces for rest, socialisation and mental recovery
- Human interaction and trained staff presence
- Inclusive services for all drivers, including women
- Community-building and emotional support.
These elements collectively transform parking areas into restorative environments that support both drivers and the wider logistics chain.
The workshop also highlighted ESPORG’s ongoing “Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Live Well” campaign, which places wellbeing at the core of Europe’s transport ecosystem.
Participants engaged in open discussions, sharing practical challenges and identifying quick wins and long-term strategies to upgrade their own facilities — from simple gestures like hygiene kits and friendly staff interactions to larger investments in infrastructure and services.
In a sector facing growing pressure, one message resonated clearly among participants: when drivers feel at home, the entire transport system works better. ESPORG members can access the full training program Creating a “Home Away from Home” Experience for Truck Drivers on EU Parking Academy platform here.
Looking Ahead
As driver shortages continue to challenge the European transport sector, initiatives like this workshop demonstrate that wellbeing is no longer optional — it is strategic.
The next “Home Away from Home” workshop is already scheduled for 9 October 2026, continuing the mission to elevate standards across Europe’s safe and secure parking network. Interested ESPORG members can already register at info@esporg.eu.
