Introduce freight consolidation centres to support deliveries in zero emission zones
A network of freight consolidation centres is needed to ensure that low and zero carbon delivery systems can make the final delivery of goods in urban areas.
To support the homes and businesses in low-emission zones, local authorities need to introduce freight consolidation centres/last mile delivery networks. Light goods vehicle miles driven in Scotland have expanded 30% in the last ten years. Consolidation centres are needed on the edge of city zero-emission zones, to help improve delivery efficiency and ensure deliveries are made by zero-emission vehicles, including e-cargo bikes, replacing larger fossil fuel vehicles.
More investment in active travel infrastructure will enable greater use of e-cargo bikes.
Strategies for the movement of goods should follow the sustainable travel hierarchy.
Figure 15: Sustainable travel hierarchy (graphic from the Energy Savings Trust)
For further information:
Supporting urban consolidation centres with urban freight transport policies: a comparative study of Scotland and Sweden, International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2019, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13675567.2019.1679743?journalCode=cjol20
Cargo bike Scotland, Sustrans, 2022, https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/2022/scotland/cargo-bike-scotland-project
