TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is bringing the lack of adequate truck parking in the province to the attention of the government.

The OTA hosted officials from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and other government consultants at a roundtable on the issue last week to discuss expanded parking options in Northern and Southern Ontario.

The lobbying organization says the meeting was well attended by both officials and the group’s carrier members who were able to lend a voice to the parking shortage issue, and that all attendees seemed to be on the same page about both long and short-term solutions to the problem.

A study to estimate the needs for truck rest areas and additional truck parking will be completed by SPR Associates.

The OTA says the study will show the economic and other benefits of providing more parking, as well as recommending the best approaches to providing parking for commercial motor vehicles on Ontario highways.

The group says it is pleased with the work the government has completed on the issue to date, including efforts that are ongoing in Northern Ontario that will see more truck parking added, and the winterizing and upgrades to existing facilities.

The OTA says they are continuing to solicit feedback on the issue and are encouraging members to reach out.