OTTAWA, Ont. -- A Transport Canada survey on the need for truck parking in Canada is not generating the responses that were hoped, which could lead the government agency to think Canada’s lack of truck parking is not a serious problem.
That’s the concern of Joanne Ritchie, executive director of the Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada (OBAC).
“It will be very difficult to convince anyone that truck parking in Canada is a problem if fewer than 1,000 drivers voice their opinion,” Ritchie said. “Every day, we have 250,000 trucks looking for a place to park for 10 hours out of every 24, and so far, fewer than half of 1% of drivers have added their two cents to the survey.”
The Transport Canada survey will only be up for a limited time, so Ritchie is appealing on drivers to take 10 minutes to complete the survey and to fleet managers to help raise awareness of the survey among their drivers.
“Their help is needed in identifying areas of the country where truck parking is difficult to find,” Ritchie explained. “This is the first time, and probably the last, drivers have had an opportunity to tell governments how parking issues impact their safety, productivity, and well-being. Their participation could make a difference in shaping future actions and improvements.”
If more responses aren’t received, Ritchie noted it will send the wrong message to Ottawa and the truck parking situation may not get the attention it deserves.
To take the survey, click the link or enter www.surveymonkey.com/truckparkingcanada into your browser.