Urban logistics
Delivering the goods – a toolkit for improving night-time deliveries
In 2004, FTA carried out detailed investigations on the subject of night-time deliveries. The objective was to identify conditions under which delivery curfews imposed on retail stores could be relaxed in exchange for the adoption of best environmental practices at the delivery point. Industry accepts that restrictions have previously been put in place for understandable reasons, such as trying to avoid potential nuisance to the local community from delivery vehicles at anti-social hours. Furthermore, industry recognises that the total removal of curfews is neither practical nor appropriate. However, there is a case for greater flexibility in delivery times.
FTA acknowledges that reconciling the need for access for goods and services with local social and environmental concerns is vital. The Association therefore worked with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Cabinet Office Better Regulation Executive to make the case for greater flexibility in delivery times. A joint industry/Government working group was established in mid - 2004 to look at how planning conditions and other powers affect the distribution of goods. The working group consisted of representatives from:
- Association of London Government
- Birmingham City Council
- British Retail Consortium
- Cabinet Office (Better Regulation Executive)
- Camden Borough Council
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Department for Transport (DfT)
- Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
- Exel Logistics
- Freight Transport Association
- Local Government Association
- National Society for Clean Air
- Planning Officers Society
- Road Haulage Association
- Transport for London
- Warwickshire County Council
The establishment of the working group helped stakeholders better understand the complexities of night-time deliveries and advised on how to make sure that planning procedures, traffic regulations and environmental health powers are used in a proportionate and co-ordinated way. The group had two clear goals:
- to develop guidance and a corresponding toolkit in relation to delivery restrictions
- to encourage pilot projects in which retailers, logistics companies, local authorities and other stakeholders work together to test relaxation of delivery curfews in defined areas
A ‘Guidance on Delivery Restrictions' published by DfT was written to help explain the legislation and regulations on night-time delivery restrictions and act as a reference point for further investigation. It also provided guidance to existing central and local Government policy as well as explaining who is responsible for enforcing restrictions, how the enforcement is managed, how deliveries might be managed, and what rights and duties are in place. The document drew upon guidance previously published by FTA.
A full copy of 'Delivering the Goods: Guidance on Delivery Restrictions' can be downloaded by clicking here.
Delivering the goods: a toolkit for improving night-time deliveries
In addition to the above guidance being produced, FTA developed a 'Toolkit' to facilitate discussion between relevant stakeholders with the key objective of negotiating a relaxation to an existing delivery restriction. The guide is mainly aimed at retailers/logistics operators and identifies the methodology that should be applied when they want to negotiate a relaxation. The Toolkit provides a framework for running a trial study at a specific store. However, before using this toolkit, FTA recommends that logistics providers read 'Delivering the Goods: Guidance on Delivery Restrictions.'
To access the toolkit, please click here