Truck stop

As truck stops (also locking depots) in Germany and parts of Austria called tank and rest areas, which - unlike the rest stops - do not have its own direct access and exit to the highway, but are accessed via a regular highway interchange.

Development in Germany

A first device with that name came before the construction of motorways for 50 cars in the second half of the 1920s at the Botanical Garden in Berlin light field. Truck stops on highways were designed from the beginning mainly as parking facilities for long distance freight traffic. They offered towards the end of the 1930s priced accommodation for drivers, maintenance, fueling and washing facilities for the vehicles. In 1938 there were already 43 Laderaumverteilstellen addition to the truck stops. The aim was at that time to move the transhipment of goods on the truck stops to ensure that trade in the inner cities would not additionally burdened by the remote trucks. A truck stop should firstly take into account the proximity of the business centers, on the other hand are on a major arterial road. The connection to a highway was not top choice destination. However, the truck stops developed with the expansion of the highway network, particularly on motorways, as they increasingly took on the role of major arterial roads.

Extension

The Federal Ministry of Transport has in recent years (private ) construction and expansion of truck stops off the highway favored because they increasingly saw the problem that the truck driver rest periods could not meet. The expansion of the then state-owned parking and rest areas on the highway stopped with the rapid growth of road freight transport does not pace, also the claim of the drivers had increased comfort and safety.

Requirements

In early 2001, the term " truck stop " and its importance for the users of motorways and trunk roads were included in the Highway Code and thus established. Until a rest area may be designated as a truck stop and is entitled to a notice signs in the motorway network has (character 448.1 ), special requirements must be met, the (road traffic law ) are listed on the sign - 448.1 truck stop in the administrative regulations for the Highway Code. These concern the following criteria:

  • The truck stop is more than one kilometer from the junction.
  • The road connection is suitable for heavy traffic and structurally below the riparian interests of others into account.
  • The truck stop is open all year round and all day (24 hours).
  • There are at least 50 truck parking spaces at low -traffic (ADT to 50,000 vehicles) and 100 truck parking spaces at more frequented highways exist. Car parking spaces of which are reported separately.
  • Tank possibility exists around the clock; Vehicle repairs least specialist workshops and other services will be taught.
  • From 11 to 22 clock there is a comprehensive food offer, outside of these hours drinks and snacks are offered.
  • Bathroom facilities are provided both for the disabled and for the special needs of mobile workers.

Shortly before the nearest motorway junction by signs 448.1 ( lettering truck stop on the exit icon on a blue background) of the Highway Code is thus pointed to truck stops.

Due to the early 2001 vague legislation and since then has not yet consistent approach to the approval authorities at present it is quite possible that companies that are signposted as a truck stop, or only meet the above-mentioned criteria to some extent. VEDA (Association of German truck stops eV ) is committed to ensuring that this situation is corrected.

Differences

From the perspective of the oil companies a truck stop is a gas station with gas station shop and restaurant and / or bistro. Reference is often spoken of ESSO, SHELL - ARAL or truck stops. This presentation is a little misleading, as the oil companies do not operate the truck stops in the rule itself, but have leased them or only make the fuel supply. Thus, there are two groups of truck stop operators:

  • Lessee of the oil companies
  • Independent, mineral group-independent operators

From the perspective of a truck stop operator a truck stop is a gastronomic operation with gas station and / or other facilities. The petrol station is, in terms of positioning, subordinate to the gas station. In contrast to a motorway service station may be located at a truck stop or rest area on the function make additional facilities such as a fast-food restaurant, conference rooms, hotel, car wash, industry or a nightclub. Also play facilities are not uncommon. One of the biggest differences between a truck stop and a motorway service area is that the operation of a dining car yard takes mostly place operation, a motorway service area usually relies on self-service.

Truck stops can also be connected urban development due to the location and about mitbedienen also an industrial area or even residential areas without a drive on the highway is necessary.

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