First Officer reported crew needed to take evasive action to avoid a collision with a ground vehicle as they were entering the gate area. Crew stopped abruptly as vehicle passed directly in front of nose of aircraft.

Narrative

While turning into gate XX to park; a ramp vehicle approached quickly along the service road from the right and did not stop. Both the Captain and myself saw this vehicle; verbalized that we were stopping; and we stopped fairly abruptly. The vehicle passed directly in front of our nose; and we made eye contact with the driver who had a very surprised look on their face.The CLT ramp is a very hectic place and frequently/often there are vehicle hazards. This case was one of the more egregious ones and worthy of an report to point out that something needs to change. I suggest 1) the company find ways to reduce vehicle trips (all unneeded trips) and consequently overall congestion; 2) airport police presence on the ramp to watch for and target unsafe driving behaviors; 3) all unoccupied gates be treated as to if there is a STOP sign at the gate if aircraft are anywhere in the vicinity; where the vehicle must stop prior to the safety area line; look around; including behind; and then proceed.