Tag «policies»

City Logistics in France: The Role of Local Authorities and the InTerLUD Program

Recent research has underscored the central role of local authorities in shaping sustainable urban logistics. Although European directives have long encouraged greener freight solutions, French planning documents have historically paid limited attention to logistics. A new study, analyzing 121 local authorities, provides fresh insights into how urban logistics is being gradually integrated into local public …

City Logistics: Moving Forward Together

Delivering goods safely and cleanly – and collecting waste efficiently – in our city centers is a significant challenge. This is especially true since the introduction of zero-emission zones on January 1, 2025, while urban populations continue to grow. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) predicts that by 2035, the four largest cities will experience …

Rethinking Urban Freight Governance: Four Roles for Public Authorities

A recent study in Norway sheds light on the evolving role of urban authorities in freight governance, particularly in smaller cities. While local governments have a presence in freight-related decision-making, many perceive their influence as limited—either by narrow institutional mandates or by a reluctance to regulate freight activities more assertively. This uncertainty often leads to …

Shift to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles is starting to gain some traction, but the transition is still in its early phase

Meeting Europe’s 2030 zero-emission targets for heavy-duty vehicles requires urgent action. While OEMs face binding CO₂ targets, demand-side incentives remain limited, hindering the adoption of operators. Instruments like ETS2, CO₂-based road charges, and subsidies are essential. Hydrogen vehicles, crucial for long-haul, face early-stage market challenges and infrastructure gaps. Infrastructure needs differ: urban fleets can use …

Decarbonizing last-mile deliveries: When the national strategy fails to meet local needs and expectations

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 …

ITF: how governments can bring low-emission trucks to our roads

Nearly three-quarters of CO2 emissions from freight transport stem from heavy diesel trucks, presenting a significant challenge in transitioning to sustainable fuels for this vehicle category. A recent report by ITF examines emerging technologies that can potentially reduce emissions from road freight. The report outlines a strategic approach for governments to identify and support technologies deserving …

The future of last-mile parcel deliveries: understanding the local perspective

To support this transition to a cleaner and more efficient freight system, local authorities need to understand their role and what opportunities might arise from the overall national strategy. For this reason, the Local Government Association (LGA) has commissioned Dr. Daniela Paddeu of the Centre for Transport and Society, the University of the West of …

The automobile logic of policymakers hinders roll-out of LEVs

The Dutch mobility system is in transition. Because of the need for low-carbon transportation modes, various new vehicle types are being developed. These new vehicle types are also developed in the form of light and electric-powered vehicles (LEVs). The current regulation system around the admission of these new vehicle types is delegated by the Ministry …

German research: scenarios to avoid the Wild West in city logistics

City logistics is not only fundamental to the supply of goods within our towns and cities, it is also central to the quality of life of the people who live there. As the rapidly growing scale of urban logistics increasingly brings into conflict the sometimes complex demands of different stakeholders (city authorities, logistics companies, retailers and …

Electric light commercial vehicles: are they the sleeping giant of e-mobility?

Transport emissions need to be drastically decreased to put Europe on a path towards long-term climate neutrality. Commercial urban freight and last-mile delivery is expected to grow because of the rise of e-commerce. In this frame, electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) can be a promising low-emission solution. Literature holistically analyzing the potential of eLCVs as well as …