The operations of the truck parking area opened by the Port of Helsinki near Helsinki Airport in late 2023 have ended due to a low utilisation rate. However, the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) will continue its truck parking area operations by the Port’s former rest area.

The objective of the rest area was to achieve more flexible harbour traffic. Heavy vehicles with a reservation on a ship departing later from Helsinki were directed to the Katriinantie truck parking area to wait for their turn. The trial was ended because the utilisation rate of the area ended up being very low. 

“We did not want to compete with the ELY Centre’s public truck parking area located next to the area, so our parking area could only be accessed by drivers who had already reserved a place on a ship. However, drivers who already had a ticket would drive straight to the harbour or somewhere near it, even if their ship would not depart in a long time. At the same time, we were able to improve overnighting opportunities for drivers boarding a morning ship in the closed harbour area. This solution makes it easier for drivers to adhere to rest times and reduces morning congestions in the street network,” explains Development Manager Jani Lindroos from the Port of Helsinki.

Even though the trial has ended, the Port of Helsinki continues to provide an overnighting opportunity for heavy vehicles boarding a ship where facilities are available at Vuosaari Harbour and the West Harbour area alike. On average, some 500 vehicles overnight in Vuosaari per month, while the more limited closed harbour area of West Harbour has nearly 200 overnighters per month.

On Katriinantie in Vantaa, the Uusimaa ELY Centre will continue its truck parking area operations by the Port’s former rest area. In addition to a secure overnight parking space, the free parking area features showers and toilets for heavy vehicle drivers.

More information about the ELY Centre’s truck parking area:

www.rekkaparkki.com