Transport Minister speaks at FTA’s Urban Logistics Congerence – pt1

Transport Minister Paul Clark spoke at the Freight Transport Association’s Urban Logistics Conference in London. He reinforced his view that urban congestion can be tackled through quiet night time deliveries, and that this type of delivery can also reduce carbon emissions and mean more reliable delivery times and rates.

LGV / HGV deliveries are often limited in urban areas at night time or during the weekend, so have to be completed during peak hours. This can lead to higher volumes of traffic and higher carbon emissions. Overnight deliveries would help to lower the need for HGV driving on busy urban roads at peak time.

He said that congestion will be reduced as HGVs –which can be slower and more cumbersome at busy junctions – will be driving at less busy periods, and it will cut pollution as the lorries won’[t be idling or stationary, and it will also save businesses time and money.

“With the adoption of best practice in quiet delivery technology and techniques, a balance can be found between protecting residents and relaxing curfews for a range of locations and store types.”

The air quality in these areas would also be improved, as exhaust fumes would be reduced, and this would make the area more pleasant for pedestrians and residents.