Ghent starts pilot programme on using silent technology to reduce noise and CO2
In cooperation with the Flemish Government and the logistic sector, the city of Ghent is starting a pilot programme in smart handling, called the PIEK project. Two supermarkets will be delivered to before and after rush hour. These deliveries will be made using new ‘silent’ technology. CIVITAS will support the project by communicating and solving problems with the neighbourhood.
During the test phase of five months, different aspects will be measured, from the driving time of the deliveries, the fuel use to the effect on the neighbourhood. From January tol May, a Delhaize and a Colruyt supermarket will serve as a Ghent test case. The trucks will deliver their goods before rush hour in the morning and after peak hour in the evening. The trucks will have less noisy engines, and the handling will be far quieter as a result of the use of new sound deadening features. The truck drivers have been given a dedicated training on how to handle the new ‘silent’ equipment effectively. The social and economic consequences will hopefully result in less fuel use, less traffic jams, less loss of time, a reduction in CO2 and a quieter neighbourhood. The project is initiated by the Flemish Government. The call to participate in the PIEK pilot project was supported by the Organisation of Flemish cities and the distribution sector.
Author: Michiel Hagenaars
