How do local governments in England view the future of low-carbon last-mile logistics? A recent study sheds light on the views of 35 local authorities and offers a deeper understanding of what’s needed to make sustainable urban freight a reality. The key takeaway? Behavior change and collaboration may be more powerful than technology alone—though far harder to implement.
Using participatory and co-design methods, the research invited local authorities with diverse expertise to develop concrete actions for decarbonizing last-mile deliveries. Through a “back-casting” process—starting from a future net-zero goal and working backward—participants outlined practical measures tailored to their local context. These proposals were then tested in sessions with 25 councilors to explore how well they aligned with political priorities and decision-making realities.
The findings are striking. While electric vans, cargo bikes, and clean delivery technologies are essential, local leaders see even greater potential in strategies encouraging behavior change (such as consolidated deliveries or reduced consumer demand for fast shipping) and public-private collaboration. However, these approaches are more complex and often less politically attractive.
One of the study’s key concerns is governance. Many local authorities lack the formal powers, internal capacity, and freight expertise to lead the transition. Much of the necessary regulation and funding is controlled at national or regional levels, leaving cities without the tools to implement meaningful change independently.
To overcome these barriers, the paper makes five clear recommendations:
- Foster deeper collaboration with logistics stakeholders and the private sector.
- Clarify the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government.
- Put freight logistics on the political agenda—make it a core part of local climate planning.
- Adopt systems thinking, ensuring urban freight is integrated across transport, planning, and environmental strategies.
- Encourage consumer awareness and behavior change, from shopping habits to delivery expectations.
The message is clear: achieving net-zero last-mile deliveries will take more than electric vehicles and innovation. It requires coordinated action, bold policy choices, and the willingness to rethink how urban deliveries are managed, from the depot to the doorstep.