History is Made with the First Combined TAPA PSR and EC SSTPA Secure Parking Certification
History was made in December when XXLKW Secure Parking Elbebrücke GmbH in Oranienbaum-Wörlitz OT Vockerode, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, became the first truck parking place to achieve a combined certification for TAPA EMEA’s Parking Security Requirements (PSR) and the European Commission’s (EC) Safe & Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPA) Standards.
The site, located at An der A9 Nr. 1, was awarded PSR Level 2 and SSTPA Silver certification following an audit by independent audit body DQS.
TAPA EMEA hopes this will be the first of many joint PSR and SSTPA certifications as both the Association and the Commission continue to support the transport and logistics industry, as well as all of the stakeholders which depend on supply chain resilience, to actively support the creation of more safe and secure parking locations in Europe.
TAPA EMEA spoke to Site Manager, Denis Wolf, at XXLKW to find out more about their milestone achievement…
How did you first hear about SSTPA and PSR?
When you delve into the topic of secure parking, certifications like PSR or SSTPA are simply unavoidable. Shortly after opening our location in December 2022, we became a member of TAPA EMEA. Security has been our primary focus from the very beginning.
As a relatively new site, did you automatically meet the requirements for PSR 2 and SSTPA Silver or did you need to make changes or investments to meet the Standards?
Our parking lot was designed and built as a secure parking facility from the start. Nonetheless, we had to make some minor adjustments to meet the requirements for SSTPA Silver and PSR 2. In fact, we already meet many of the requirements for PSR 1 and SSTPA Platinum – and we’ve set our sights on achieving these higher certifications in 2025/2026.
Being the first combined PSR/SSTPA certification is a major achievement. What benefits do you expect this to bring to your business?
We are incredibly proud to have received the first combined PSR/SSTPA certification. It’s a huge success for us and an important step towards the future. Of course, we hope this will help us increase occupancy and attract new customers. But, most importantly, we want to set an example for the safety and well-being of truck drivers. The certification is our “official stamp” that we’re on the right path.
How long did it take to achieve this certification, and how complex was the process?
The actual certification process was completed relatively quickly, but the preparations spanned all of 2024. Since we were also working on other projects simultaneously, it was crucial for us to carefully address the requirements. We wanted the audit to run smoothly – and I believe we achieved that.
Tell us more about your parking location?
Currently, we offer 44 spaces in the premium area, complemented by 45 additional spaces in the regular area. Additionally, in partnership with Milence, we’ve installed four 400 kW charging stations for electric trucks – and this year, four more charging stations will be added. Altogether, we have 93 parking spaces available. Expansion work to add 61 more spaces, including another sanitation building, has already begun and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year.
In the premium area, a parking space costs €25 for 12 hours, €40 for 24 hours, and an additional €15 for every further 24 hours. The fees include a €5 voucher for our shop. We also offer free use of showers, restrooms, a kitchen, and much more!
Does the PSR/SSTPA certification allow you to charge higher parking fees?
For us, the priority is being officially recognised as a secure parking lot. Naturally, we also hope to attract “high-value customers” with this recognition. But our goal is for every truck driver and transportation company to feel safe taking a break with us.
What motivated you to pursue the combined PSR/SSTPA certification rather than just one of the Standards?
The idea came from our discussions with Markus Prinz (Senior Manager, Standards, Training & Certification) at TAPA EMEA. Our site was ideally suited to cover both standards – so we went through the steps hand-in-hand. The result not only makes us proud but also shows that the effort was worth it. And yes, it does feel special to be the first location to achieve both certifications simultaneously!
Was your Elbebrücke site funded by support from the EU?
Our current parking lot was not funded by the EU and was entirely self-financed. However, since last year, we’ve been expanding by 61 additional parking spaces – for which we are receiving funding from BALM. We plan to open this new section in the second quarter of 2025.
How helpful was the TAPA EMEA training in supporting your certification?
To be honest, I procrastinated far too long on taking the TAPA training – a mistake! It was incredibly helpful and explained many points simply and clearly. My advice to everyone: Take the TAPA training right at the start – it saves time and answers many questions.
Are you surprised that more of the current SSTPA-certified sites are not accepting TAPA EMEA’s offer of a PSR-Equivalent certificate?
Yes, that does surprise me. In my opinion, the Standards are almost identical and cover all the key points that ensure a secure parking lot as well as an optimal environment for drivers. That’s why it was logical for us to pursue both certifications.
How important is it that PSR is a parking standard “created by the industry for the industry”?
That is a crucial point for us as a parking lot operator. Our customers come directly from the industry, and if the PSR standards were developed by the industry itself, it shows they are tailored precisely to the needs of customers.
Do you see strong growth potential for parking lot operators in the security parking sector, or is there still a reluctance by many transportation companies to pay more for secure parking?
Unfortunately, criminal activity has significantly increased in recent years. Many underestimate how dangerous parking – even in Germany – can be. Truck drivers do incredibly hard work, and we often receive feedback that they feel well-rested at our site. This is not only due to our modern and clean concept but also to the security they experience with us. I definitely see a growing understanding of this among transport companies, and therefore a great potential for secure parking.
How can TAPA EMEA attract more parking place operators?
Active outreach, consultation, and education are key. Having a contact person like Markus Prinz available was very helpful for us. I wish I could have visited another certified parking lot beforehand to exchange ideas with other operators. At first, many things seem dauntingly complicated, but ultimately, the process is really well-organized. Interested operators are welcome to reach out to me – or visit us on-site to see for themselves.
To find out more about TAPA EMEA’s secure parking certification, please contact info@tapaemea.org
