Improving goods distribution in the historical city centre

Summary

In order to reduce congestion and improve quality of life in the centre of Krakow, the city developed a new scheme for goods distribution using cleaner and more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Prior to measure implementation, goods distribution was causing considerable disruption to the pedestrian and restricted area of Krakow’s historical city centre. In order to improve the situation for pedestrians, especially in the main market square, a new distribution system was developed that limited vehicle access and reduced noise and air pollution.

Specific goals were to:

• develop the technology for controlling access by goods vehicles to protected zones;
• establish an efficient goods distribution scheme based on the use of cleaner vehicles and reducing private deliveries in the city centre by 50 percent; and
• achieve wide social consensus on access restrictions and the use of cleaner vehicles.

Progress

A feasibility study was carried out on goods distribution in Krakow using clean and energy-efficient vehicles.

The new scheme was designed using the experience of Genoa as a basis, and taking into account the views of stakeholders such as hauliers, shopkeepers, market square area managers and city logistics experts. The new concept was based on the mobility credits system, which was tested in two two-week periods.

As an initial step, access was restricted to between 11 pm and 9.30 am in order to reduce noise and air pollution and make the city centre more attractive for residents and visitors.

Outcomes

The system based on credit points was tested in the field and proved effective. It has been implemented in the main market square and has resulted in improved regulation of access to the inner city by commercial vehicles.