“Air pollution busting” cargo bike service launches in London’s Square Mile
The City of London Corporation has announced that a cargo bike delivery scheme is now be available to all local businesses in the Smithfield and Farringdon areas with deliveries anywhere within the Congestion Charge zone.
The scheme, which has been launched following a successful pilot during the Christmas season, is being run in partnership with Zedify, a “zero emissions” operator formed from cargo bike delivery companies Recharge Cargo and Outspoken Delivery who currently provide services across six UK cities.
Courier riders will use an electric-assist cargo bike or an electric-assist trike, with load capacities of 100kg and 250kg respectively to make deliveries. The delivery hub will be based in a car park at West Smithfield.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (3 December), the City of London Corporation said the scheme is part of its plans for a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN), jointly funded by the Mayor of London and the City Corporation. Plans for the LEN also include new electric vehicle charging infrastructure, green taxi ranks and planting and growing projects designed to improve air quality around Barbican and Golden Lane Estate areas.
Jeremy Simons, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environment Committee, said: “This new service marks a significant milestone in the introduction of the City’s Low Emission neighbourhood.
“It is part of our wider plan to help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the Square Mile.
“The service will provide local business with an eco-friendly way to move their goods around and reduce air pollution for local residents and workers.
Sam Keam, Director of Recharge Cargo, added:“Zedify is an exciting new urban delivery network. We are thrilled to be setting up a new operation at Smithfield that enables us to offer local businesses fast, efficient and cost-effective delivery and distribution services within central London.
“We are looking forward to expanding the operation in the coming months to provide zero-emission services that help to address the critical issues of congestion, air pollution and quality of life for Londoners.”
