Want a say on lack of truckstops? Here’s your chance

OTTAWA — Is there really a shortage of truck parking in Canada? Drivers keep saying there is, but the scope of the problem has never been studied — until now.

Transport Canada is currently working with its industry partners to measure the demand and supply of truck parking in Canada.

As part of a two-pronged approach, researchers will establish an inventory of existing truck parking spaces and their distribution across the country. Secondly, they will establish the extent of the parking shortage through a truck driver parking survey.

The survey (click here) will help determine truck drivers’ parking habits and preferences while traveling in Canada, identify areas of the country where designated truck parking might be difficult to find, and determine how any possible shortages of parking might impact safety, productivity, and personal well-being.

The Owner-Operator Business Association of Canada (OBAC) says any driver who runs in Canada should fill out this survey because potential shortages of parking affect all truckers.

"If we don’t get a high level of participation, it’ll send a message to the regulators that drivers are okay with the parking situation in Canada."

The survey will give you the change to tell the regulators where the shortages exist, how any shortage affects the driving population, and, for the first time, it allows drivers to make suggestions and recommendations on where parking might be needed.

The survey is live online now, and paper copies are available for those without access to a computer.

Call 1-800-333-0371 and choose option 2 in the automated menu for a copy or go to the website www.surveymonkey.com/truckparkingcanada to have your say right away.