New distribution schemes
cities involved: Bath, Bologna, Donostia-San Sebastian, Ljubljana, Perugia, Utrecht, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Results and success factors
Most of the measures about Urban Freight Logistics applied in CIVITAS PLUS cities focused on the concepts of bundling or consolidating deliveries, e.g. consolidation centres, merchandise pick-up points, central buffer zones, virtual logistics platforms and proximity areas. Other measures tested and promoted the use of cleaner vehicles for freight distribution.
An analysis of data supplied by logistics providers showed that using more energy-efficient freight distribution methods, including the use of electric vehicles, resulted in reduced fuel consumption by half and predicted reductions in emissions of pollutants. Nevertheless, in some circumstances also eco-friendly measures seem to have not fully exploited the potential of additional benefits: back-loading recycling on the return leg of journeys could be an option to reduce the number of waste collection trips.
The schemes generally received good acceptance both by stakeholders and residents. In some other cases, instead, public support waned during the implementation phase: this could indicate that the public does not perceive freight delivery transport as much of a problem.
Costs, especially for clean vehicles, are likely to be too high to attract private investment, making these measures viable only for public ownership. Operational costs could be optimised by subcontracting operations to established logistics providers that already have suitably located depots and/or fleets of clean vehicles.
Drivers and barriers
Measures encouraging the implementation of new freight operating modes or distribution schemes were hampered by several barriers at various stages. Lack of stakeholder involvement was identified as the main barrier during the preparation stage, followed by organisational and political barriers. At the implementation and operational stages, organisational barriers were deemed the most influential.
The same conclusions can be drawn with regard to drivers: involvement, good organisation and different kinds of political support were identified as important for half of the measures.
Up-scaling and transferability
New distribution schemes have good up-scaling potential, and in general there are always possibilities for other cities to develop new distribution schemes. However, local constraints in the urban structure can have negative impacts. Regardless of the level of implementation, these measures have provided valuable insights into the importance of planning, communication, research, testing and, especially, meaningful collaboration between stakeholders. The results and experiences from these projects can provide valuable guidance for future logistics and freight distribution schemes. The bundling concepts used in distribution models can be adapted also for non-traditional goods, which might include construction materials, fresh goods and perishable goods. However, further piloting is required to evaluate potential demand and benefits. Integration with pre-existing services could be beneficial. An analysis of success factors highlights the fact that cities should seize the opportunity to combine measures and maximise benefits.
Link to the specific CIVITAS Plus measures
Bath: Urban Freight Consolidation
Bologna: Urban freight delivery plan
Donostia-San Sebastian: Efficient goods distribution
Ljubljana: Integrated freight policy development
Perugia: PIPE§NET system for city logistics
Utrecht: Merchandise pick-up points (MPuP) & Distribution centres for fresh and perishable goods
Vitoria-Gasteiz: Urban freight logistics