Highway rest stops for lorries to include 24h surveillance and other services

Girona (ACN).- The highway management company Acesa will build new highway rest stops designed specifically for lorry drivers and their vehicles. The plans include a fenced space with rest areas, laundry rooms and showers, among others. Construction has already begun in the Montseny area and at the Porta Barcelona, next to the Catalan capital. It is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2011. The services will have a fee of around 10 to 20 euros. According to the general director of Acesa, the project’s objective is to facilitate access to services for lorry drivers. The village of La Jonquera and the city of Sagunt will be the next in line to see these rest areas along their highways. The company is also looking into constructing rest stops next to Lleida and Zaragoza.

The new services will provide a safe space for lorry drivers to rest without worrying about the security of their merchandise. Similar services have already been proven successful in places like France and many have been asking for them in Catalonia after various cases of merchandise theft while drivers are sleeping.

Currently rest stops do not provide security or services for lorry drivers. Acesa hopes that these new rest stops will mean lorry drivers will not have to leave the highway in search of necessary services. The new rest stops are expected to include a 3.5 metre high security fence along with showers, laundry services,  rest areas as well as entertainment facilities.

Truck drivers will now be able to sleep without worrying about the theft of their merchandise. Surveillance cameras will be in effect 24 hours and security guards will patrol the area by foot as well as car.