Europe’s secure truck parking network commits to safe, dignified and welcoming places to rest for women drivers
Today the European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) signed the IRU Charter for Women in Road Transport. The Charter was adopted by all IRU members at the IRU General Assembly on 29 May 2026. It invites everyone in the sector to help more women enter, stay and grow in road transport.
For ESPORG, signing the Charter follows naturally from its work. The Charter’s sixth principle calls for safe, secure and dignified working environments, with access to appropriate parking, sanitation and rest facilities that take women’s needs into account. ESPORG works on this every day with parking operators across Europe, aiming for secure, well-lit parking areas, clean and private facilities, and quiet spaces where every driver can rest with peace of mind.
“Where a driver stops for the night shapes how safe she feels, and often whether she stays in the profession,” said Dirk Penasse, General Manager of ESPORG. “By signing the IRU Charter, ESPORG and its members commit to parking areas where women drivers feel safe, respected and welcome. Safe and dignified rest is not a detail. It is the foundation of a healthy working environment for every driver.”
A profession with room for more women
Women make up around 23% of the EU transport workforce, but only 4% of truck drivers in Europe, according to the IRU Global Driver Shortage Report 2025. Meanwhile Europe has a 13% driver shortage, with around 502,000 positions unfilled. Bringing more women into the profession is good for drivers, for companies and for the whole supply chain.
The Charter’s six principles point the way forward:
1. Neutral recruitment
2. Career development
3. Aligned pay
4. Work-life balance
5. Fair handling of conflicts
6. Safe, secure and dignified working environments
Listening to women drivers
Through the European Wellbeing Initiative (EWellIn), powered by ESPORG, the Women Wellbeing Working Group is working with IRU & CP on research into the needs and challenges of female truck drivers. The research gives women drivers a voice and turns their experience into practical improvements, both on the road and at rest.
“Women drivers know best what makes a stop feel safe and welcoming,” said Druselia Betea, Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative. “When we listen to them, together with IRU & CP, we can build a healthier working environment where women see a real future in this profession. A well-rested driver is a safe driver, and that is true for every driver.”
About ESPORG
The European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG) is the leading pan-European network for safe, secure and sustainable truck parking. It develops best practices, runs the EU Parking Standard certification and organises the annual Excellence in Truck Parking Award. [esporg.eu](https://esporg.eu)
About EWellIn
The European Wellbeing Initiative (EWellIn), powered by ESPORG, is building a culture of wellbeing in transport and logistics, with professional drivers at its centre. It was launched in March 2025 at the ESPORG Yearly Conference in Brussels, with the support of the European Commission and key industry partners. [ewellin.eu](https://ewellin.eu)
Media contact
Druselia Betea, Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative
d.betea@esporg.eu | +32 493 47 54 75
