New guidance for fleet operators considering out-of-hours deliveries was launched by TfL at Quiet Cities yesterday

‘Getting the timing right’ is a toolkit for all stakeholders involved in re-timing freight deliveries - including hauliers, local councils and businesses – and outlines the benefits and issues to consider when rescheduling deliveries, from finding suitable sites and staffing issues through to engaging with local residents.

It is an industry-led guide that pulls together all the lessons learned and data gathered by the Re-timing Deliveries Consortium, which comprises TfL, freight operators, retailers, trade associations and several London boroughs.

It outlines benefits for operators as:

  • Fewer PCNs by delivering at times when restrictions do not apply
  • Fuel savings, by avoiding congestion
  • More efficient use of fleet
  • Less stressful journeys for drivers

However it urges operators to take into account the following considerations:

  • Analyse delivery options
  • Talks between customers and local authorities
  • Identifying suitable locations
  • What customer requirements are for each delivery
  • The impact on whole supply chain
  • Staff training
  • Equipment investment

London's Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy (pictured), said: “London, through the 2012 Games and the Re-timing Deliveries Consortium, has proved that innovative attitudes can have a real impact. Moving deliveries to the right time will make the difference, improving road safety and relieving pressure on congestion.

“The sheer number of people at the inaugural Quiet Cities event shows that the appetite for this change is there, not just in London, or the UK, but across the globe.”

Tim Slater, MD of Transport UK & Ireland at DHL, said: “By sharing best practice and innovative technologies, such as our new concept vehicle, retiming of deliveries to out of the peak can become a reality; ensuring reliability, easing congestion and improving road safety.”

A Quiet Cities delegate from Tesco revealed that working with the Re-timing Deliveries Consortium had enable the supermarket to move 45 stores in London to accepting night-time deliveries, while a Sainsbury’s representative stressed that collaboration across the whole borough is key, as something as simple as adding a dropped kerb can enable a new access point for out-of-hours unloading.

Delegates also wanted to find out more about individual case studies, as well as calling for construction freight to be included in future research. Some also asked about the possibility of a required standard to adhere to, so as to ensure compliance from all operators.

By Hayley Pink

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