A lack of truck parking in Southern Ontario is affecting driver health according to the preliminary results of a survey by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
MTO, in support with the Ontario Trucking Association, launched a study of Truck Rest Areas in Southern Ontario last year which focuses on specific needs for truck rest areas and truck parking in Southern Ontario as well as economic and other benefits of providing more parking for the transportation industry.
According to Today’s Trucking, more than 1,000 drivers have responded to the survey so far, leading to 30,000 data points. The Ministry is hoping for 2,000 more participants before the Feb. 28 deadline.
The initial results of the survey show a significant lack of truck parking in Ontario is affecting drivers’ health outcomes not only by adding stress to their day, but through a lack of access to washrooms and water (which ‘workplaces’ are mandated to provide for employees).
Survey administrator Ted Harvey says the results could indicate a need to review what the definition of what a “workplace” is for the purposes of Ontario law, and a change to some of the conditions truckers face.
Lack of parking is also contributing to additional costs for drivers and fleets, with inflated fuel and maintenance costs, as well as lost productivity. Harvey says this may provide a barrier to entry for some, keeping would-be drivers off the road.