In the past two years, Ecorys supported the European Commission via the ‘Study on urban mobility – Preparation of EU guidelines on urban logistics’. This study was led by a consortium formed by Ecorys, University of Antwerp, University of Lisbon, and Prof. Laetitia Dablanc.
An efficient urban goods transport system is essential for sustainable development in urban areas. However, the system currently faces challenges due to increased urbanisation, frequency and just-in-time deliveries at businesses and homes while space and infrastructure in urban areas are reaching their capacity.
A call to action on urban logistics
The 2011 Transport White Paper identified the need for increased attention to urban logistics. The Commission’s 2013 communication “Together towards competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility” of December 2013 was accompanied by a staff working document “A call to action on urban logistics”, setting out current thinking on urban logistics. There, it was announced that the Commission would prepare non-binding guidance documents to facilitate urban logistics improvements.
Urban logistics policies
The report “The integrated perspective” binds the six non-binding guidance documents together and comprises all recommendations. The target group of the documents is local and regional administrations wanting to shape their urban logistics policies. Each topic includes one non-binding guidance document and one technical report.
The six topics for urban logistics policies are:
- The use of information and communication technologies;
- Treatment of logistics activities in Urban Vehicle Access Regulation Schemes;
- Engagement of stakeholders when implementing urban freight logistics policies;
- Logistics schemes for e-commerce;
- The use of environmentally friendly freight vehicles;
- Indicators and data collection methods on urban freight distribution.
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