An estimated £250m is lost annually to freight crimes in the UK, totalling a predicted £6.1bn by 2049, according to research by SNAP, the haulage industry digital marketplace.

SNAP’s recently published findings, in its report Truck Parks of the Future, warns that, with inflation rising, this figure could reach £7.9bn, adding that across Europe €8.2bn is lost to cargo theft, every year.

The report also questions why, with the haulage industry making technological advancements in other areas, insuch as autonomous trucks and EV vehicles, the industry does not leverage available technology and incorporate the latest security features to help fight freight crimes.

SNAP’s report also explores what a safe and secure truck park of the future would look like, by 2049, to raise awareness.

Based on the newest crime-fighting innovation from across the world, it anticipates that:

  • Truck parks will have 24/7 security, including the use of robot policing, such as dogs and patrols that provide autonomous surveillance, allowing all areas of truck parks to be monitored, without a human needing to be present.
  • Secure entrances and exits will be introduced, which will only be accessed by pre-booked trucks, and monitored via license plate recognition.
  • AI criminal pattern predictions, to anticipate crime.
  • Facial recognition.
  • Thermal cameras, to detect any unusual activity.

Other predictions include using information from tachographs to monitor truck drivers, helping to predict when drivers will need to reach truck stops, and keeping drivers rest safely away from roadsides.

Matthew Bellamy, SNAP managing director, said “There is an urgent need for investments in the safety and security of truck parks across the UK and Europe, truck drivers are the lifeblood of our economies and ensure that the public gets what they need.

“We need to encourage more people into the industry by offering a safe and secure environment for all. This highlights the need to protect drivers’ wellbeing, keeping them physically and mentally safe, alongside the financial benefits for supply chain operators and improved services for the nation”

Recent investments include €750m from the IRU advocacy and £16m from the UK government to transform truck parks. £16m is just 6.4% of the £250m and under 0.3% of the predicted £6.1bn lost due to freight crimes in the UK, alone.

SNAP’s report Truck Parks of the Future can be found here.

 

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