In response to the growing demand for truck parking along the A63, particularly on the busy south-north route approaching Bordeaux, Egis’ client Atlandes has rolled out an innovative parking concept that significantly boosts capacity, without expanding the site’s footprint or increasing soil artificialisation.
The new system is inspired by successful deployments in Germany, which PIARC, the World Road Association, shared. It allows trucks to park in columns of four, one behind the other. Drivers are assigned spaces based on their required rest periods or preferred departure times, optimising turnover and efficiency.
This approach addresses a critical safety issue. With limited parking, truck drivers have often been forced to park in hazardous locations, such as emergency lanes or ramps, to comply with strict driving time regulations. Since 2015, prohibited parking on the Landes section of the A63 has risen sharply, prompting close monitoring by both operations staff and police forces, who have called for new solutions. At the Lugos Est rest area, 72 parking spaces have been expanded to 128, arranged in 32 columns of four. Upon arrival, truck drivers input their intended parking duration or departure time at a terminal. An algorithm then assigns an optimal parking spot, which is displayed on the screen. After confirmation, the system grants access and guides drivers to their designated spot. Variable message signs sit above each column: red crosses indicate columns closed to parking, while green arrows, varying according to the vehicle’s license plate, direct drivers to their designated location (either A, B, C or D in the column). The Saugnac-et-Muret control centre monitors all movements, ensuring smooth operations and rapid intervention if needed.
The project’s safety objectives have been achieved, and we no longer have any unauthorised parking on slip roads or hard shoulders in the Lugos area. Indeed, four months after opening, the new parking area is nearing capacity on some nights, a testament to the pressing demand.
The system is now working smoothly, and driver feedback is largely positive. Suggestions from users, such as separating refrigerated trucks to minimise noise, are being considered. The team remains attentive to feedback and is proactive in resolving operational challenges as they arise.
Olivier Quoy, Chief Executive Officer of Atlandes, commented: “Among the positive aspects of the project, I would first highlight the commitment of the operator’s teams. While I was confident in the drivers’ ability to follow the rules, I was somewhat concerned that the initial technical adjustments might lead to demotivation or dissatisfaction. In reality, this exciting project truly won over the teams and has been a great success!” This forward-thinking project is part of a broader European initiative. Not only does it serve international freight routes, but it also benefits from partial funding by the European Union under the MATIS project, which aims to develop intelligent transport systems along major motorway corridors.
Atlandes’ innovative approach sets a new benchmark for truck parking solutions, balancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability on one of France’s key transport arteries.