The Green Mile
The UK’s Department for Transport has opened a consultation on the opportunities available to deliver goods more sustainably and make the last mile greener.
In a statement issued today (30 July), the DfT said that it was calling for evidence to explore how clean vehicles such as electrically powered e-vans, micro vehicles and e-cargo bikes can “provide better service to customers for cargo in comparison to light commercial vehicles”.
The DfT would like to hear evidence of how innovative logistics solutions such as cargo consolidation centres, shared hubs and micro-depots could help to alleviate the pressures on urban last mile deliveries.
Importantly, the DfT is inviting suggestions on how the delivery industry could be incentivised to take up clean, last-mile delivery options – and it also wants to have a better understanding of the perceived barriers to switching over to a sustainable delivery model.
In his foreword to the discussion document, the Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “We want the UK to explore all modes of e-cargo and emerging transport technologies for last mile deliveries, so we can help create beautiful, liveable, green and connected towns and cities. The results of this Call for Evidence will in turn form part of the Government’s Future of Mobility Grand Challenge.”
The last mile delivery consultation closes on 20 September.
Please click here to view the DfT’s Last Mile discussion document.
Over the past few years, there has been a surge of interest among the post & parcel community for solutions which can make inner cities delivery both more environmentally friendly and operationally efficient.
Triangle has helped to drive the debate forward by highlighting the issue through its World Mail & Express conferences and also running “Inner City Challenge” seminars as part of its Post&Parcel Live series.
In addition, Triangle’s Research Department is soon to publish a major new report which will outline the challenges and opportunities of last mile urban deliveries and look at some of the initiatives that are currently being trialled in major European cities. Please click here for more information on Triangle’s Solving The Inner City Challenge Report.
