During the 16th ITS European Congress in Seville, leaders from Europe’s parking and mobility sectors gathered for a dedicated summit exploring how parking infrastructure can drive cleaner, more connected, and more resilient transport systems. The ‘Sustainable Parking Management and Mobility Solutions Summit‘, organised by EAVP, ESPORG, EPA, and ERTICO, featured two focused sessions: Urban Parking and Safe and Secure Truck Parking.
Urban Parking: From Static Space to Dynamic Mobility Hubs
Moderated by Sara Costas Suárez (ERTICO), this session highlighted the untapped potential of Europe’s 637 million parking spaces – 90% of which remain unregulated. Theo Thuis (EPA) emphasised the opportunity to transform these spaces into multi-functional, multimodal mobility hubs that support urban sustainability.
Dr Jonathan Harrod Booth (Consultant EPA/DATEX II) stressed the need for data-sharing obligations and open standards, citing the NAPCORE project as a key enabler of integration. Frank Daems (EAVP/ERTICO) presented Automated Valet Parking (AVP) as a scalable solution to facilitate EV charging and smart urban logistics. He highlighted the role of the upcoming APDS V5 in making this holistic parking ecosystem possible. Camille Lubon (Brussels Airport) shared how the Brussels Airport is planning an “Intermodal 3.0 hub” as part of its mobility strategy, presenting the Airport as a case study of integrated mobility. Lastly, the panel agreed on the critical role of data and standards in redefining parking as a strategic asset rather than a passive resource.
As Frank Daems concluded, “AVP is ready, and so are state-of-the-art parking infrastructures. Only minimal adjustments are needed for deployment. It aligns seamlessly with OEMs’ automation roadmaps, already delivering value to today’s drivers—and that value will only grow as we progress toward Level 4 parking automation.”
Safe and Secure Truck Parking: Meeting Drivers’ Needs Through Standards and Support
The second session, moderated by Désirée Oen (ESPORG), focused on the growing challenges of truck parking in Europe. Presentations by Dirk Penasse and Markus Schneider (ESPORG), along with Rino Defoort (Government of West Flanders), highlighted the difficult conditions many drivers face, despite being essential to Europe’s supply chains, truck drivers often lack access to secure, well-equipped, and hygienic facilities.
The speakers pointed to widespread overcrowding of parking areas and limited services as ongoing concerns impacting drivers’ health, safety, and dignity. ESPORG presented a vision for truck parking that goes beyond basic infrastructure, advocating for comprehensive service standards that prioritise driver well-being.
Data and data sharing, along with harmonised quality standards, were emphasised as essential tools for improving the system. However, the discussion also acknowledged the practical complexities, such as insurance constraints around sleeping accommodations, which can limit drivers’ options.
Although legislation supporting safer truck parking exists, weak enforcement remains a major barrier. The session closed with a unified call for stronger political support, the establishment of clear quality benchmarks, and the integration of circular economy principles to enable a scalable, sustainable model for truck parking across Europe.
Dirk Penasse aptly summarised, “When you witness the current working conditions of drivers, it’s clear that change is urgently needed—particularly as the number of drivers is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.”
A detailed report of the event will soon be made available by the event organisers.
Media Contact for EAVP
Gino Querini, Communications Officer, ERTICO: g.querini[at]mail.ertico.com
About the Organisers
EAVP is an ERTICO innovation platform for collaboration on a hands-on working level, networking and the establishment of partnerships with all necessary Automated Valet Parking stakeholders.
ESPORG – The European Safe & Secure Parking Organisation is the leading expert in setting standards for truck parking which unites more than 120 safe and secure parking area members across Europe.
EPA – The European Parking Association is the umbrella organisation for national parking associations in Europe. It represents both public and private operators, as well as suppliers of parking-related products and services.
ERTICO – ITS Europe is a public-private partnership organisation with close to 120 members, connecting 8 sectors across the broader ecosystem in Intelligent Transport Systems and Smart Mobility.