Truck drivers are all too familiar with the frustrating task of finding a parking spot at highway rest areas. Overcrowded lots and long search times add stress, making it difficult for drivers to meet mandatory rest periods. This is where the SOLP project (“Optimized Lorry Parking”), developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institute, HHI and its partners, comes in. The goal is to offer drivers a stress-free and efficient way to find available parking spots along their routes.
Using artificial intelligence, the system provides real-time information about available parking spaces, not just to locate spots but to optimize the use of existing areas. The aim is to reduce unnecessary delays, prevent accidents caused by illegal parking, and improve traffic flow on highways. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.
Unlike traditional methods that treat routes as a static series of roads and parking spots, SOLP uses dynamic forecasting. It takes into account factors such as traffic volume, current parking availability, and drivers’ rest periods. This way, truck drivers receive real-time predictions about potential parking options along their route. The system provides updates through an app or an onboard unit, displaying parking status using a simple traffic light system: red means full parking areas, yellow indicates tolerated spots, and green shows available parking spaces.
The AI behind SOLP is continuously fed data on traffic flows, parking space sensors, and occupancy rates, adjusting predictions in real time. This allows drivers to find parking more quickly and with less stress, while also helping them meet legal rest requirements, which benefits both drivers and road safety.
Currently in its pilot phase, selected truck drivers across several German states are testing the system. Expectations are high: developers hope to see more efficient use of available parking spaces and significant relief for drivers. Additionally, the system could help reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents caused by illegal parking in entryways.
SOLP offers a forward-thinking solution to an everyday problem on highways, demonstrating how AI can make truck transport more efficient and safer. The prospect of stress-free rest planning and better adherence to legal requirements makes this project an important step toward smarter traffic solutions on German highways.
Post picture: DALL-E3
