Limassol city centre Urban Freight Logistics Action Plan

Summary

The goal of this measure was to develop a plan for introducing innovative solutions in Limassol city centre regarding the traffic flows of freight logistics, the efficient distribution of goods, the environmental pollution and noise, hazards for pedestrians due to freight logistic services and road disturbances. The plan aimed to improve the city centre of Limassol and to change the behaviour of the relevant stakeholders and key actors.

Implementing sustainable mobility

SULP development

A study on the economic activities was undertaken based on commerce, services and tourism sectors within the city centre including the tourist flow in the city and the impacts of freight traffic. Moreover, a logistics plan was prepared for the mobility management that includes the type of goods, the area and time tables of deliveries and their limitations.

The results of all the above were included in the Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan (SULP) approved by the Limassol Municipality on 21/01/2019. The final SULP report outlined the actions that have to be implemented in Limassol city centre, including the implementation of measures related to energy efficient vehicles and clean energies, last mile delivery strategies, infrastructures, the regulatory framework and fostering of partnerships with stakeholders.

Online platform

An online platform (included in the SULP) has been developed to manage freight transportation key actors for more efficient distribution of goods. The platform provides an access control system for mobility management, suggested timetable, and routes for freight vehicles to reach their destinations to avoid traffic conjunction in the city centre.

Stakeholder engagement

Stratagem had a close cooperation with Limassol Municipality that provided all necessary information for the implementation of the measure. The Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works provided information regarding the road network for the needs of the study implemented in the framework of the measure. Additionally, the Limassol Tourism Company and Limassol Municipality supported the promotion and dissemination of all the activities.

Outcomes

• Decreased CO2 emissions - 6,9 tons of CO2 saved during June 2020.
• Decreased traffic noise
• Decreased energy consumption - 65,3 MWh saved during June 2020.
• Increase in tourists’ and resident’s perception on the free pavements - 4% of the people believed that with the change of schedule of the freight logistics, there is more availability of walking places and therefore could enjoy walking in the city centre and feel safe.  Between July 2019 and February 2020.
• Awareness of tourists and residents about actions to reduce the freight traffic - 54% of the people were aware of the efforts to improve the time schedule of the freight deliveries in the city. Between July 2019 to February 2020.