Salomé Pradas, the Minister of Environment, Water, Infrastructure, and Territory, along with the Regional Secretary of Employment, has unveiled a series of programs aimed at encouraging young people to enter the road transport sector. The goal is to ensure generational succession and increase the number of women in fleets after facilitating the obtainment of the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
During the conclusion of the Assembly of the Castellón Business Association of Road Freight Transport (ACTM), held in Castelló and re-electing Carmelo Martínez as president, Pradas emphasized the sector’s importance as an essential pillar of the productive fabric and development. The Valencian Community ranks fourth in the number of companies, with almost 10,000 employing around 30,000 individuals and third in terms of goods moved annually after Andalusia and Catalonia, with 261 million tons. In Castellón, the sector comprises 1,500 companies and 3,800 professionals.
Pradas acknowledged that despite the sector’s vitality and power, it faces numerous difficult challenges. She assured that the Mazón Government will be a strong ally in overcoming these obstacles. The government shares concerns about the shortage of drivers and is working on solutions such as employment plans and specific programs to facilitate generational succession.
Moreover, Pradas highlighted the insufficient infrastructure for truck parking and rest facilities in the Valencian Community, despite the sector’s strength and the high traffic volume it generates. Currently, there are only eight of these facilities in the province of Castellón. Therefore, a needs assessment is being carried out in collaboration with the sector. Onda is being considered as a potential location for one of these facilities due to its proximity to the CV-10, one of the main transport arteries for goods alongside the A-7.
The strategic location of the Valencian Community in the center of the Mediterranean Corridor and as one end of the Cantabrian-Mediterranean axis presents a significant opportunity for the logistics sector. Pradas emphasized that the government is ready to support transportation companies and self-employed individuals in implementing initiatives that balance environmental protection with economic growth.
She also discussed the promising future of Castellón’s infrastructure, particularly with the development of the ‘Ceramic Axis’ project. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the pavement of the CV-10 in Betxí, Onda, Vila-real, and Almassora, with an investment exceeding four million euros.
The potential truck rest area in Onda could significantly benefit the road transport sector by providing a much-needed facility for drivers to rest and park their vehicles safely. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the sector and supporting its growth and sustainability. By investing in infrastructure and programs to attract young drivers and encourage the participation of women in the industry, the government aims to ensure the continued success and development of the road transport sector in the Valencian Community.