Improving logistics networks for better urban mobility
Trade, commerce and general delivery of products in Europe relies heavily on existing logistics and freight networks. While freight transport is vital to business, it is also hampering urban mobility as well as being a source of noise and sound pollution. The EU-funded project 'Freight innovative delivery in European urban space' (Fideus) aimed to address the societal, economic and environmental concerns of freight transport. It proposed new technologies and management solutions to better organise the transport of urban goods. The project focused on three different axes in its new approach. Firstly, it worked to develop more efficient vehicles for delivery and collection of goods in urban settings. Secondly, it recommended different approaches to organise and manage urban logistics using these new vehicles and novel containers to carry goods. Thirdly, it supplied tools and information to relevant authorities regarding strategies for efficient urban delivery. This integrated approach is expected to alleviate environmental impact and decrease noise level while promoting ergonomics and safety. Three different types of vehicles were proposed in this regard. They are micro carriers that manoeuvre unrestrictedly in pedestrian areas, 3.5 tonne urban delivery vans ideal for downtown or high-traffic areas and 12 tonne trucks for large deliveries. In addition, high-tech tools allow authorities to highlight traffic restrictions or vehicle violations online to facilitate management, while logistics companies can reserve unloading bays and conduct other online tasks. Radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags were also introduced to upgrade the logistics process. In short, the new 'cooperative transport' approach is characterised by the flow of goods from larger vehicles to micro carriers. It addresses customers from large-chain supermarkets to parcel deliveries, offering novel solutions that can be of great benefit to cities while reducing pollution and streamlining delivery.
