LOADS EASIER report sets out how implementation of a digitalised kerbside management scheme is a greener, smarter solution for improving freight access in London
12/08/2021 UNITED KINGDOM TSX, NYSE:STN
New research by Stantec and Grid Smarter Cities shows how the impact of freight, servicing and delivery vehicles on the city’s road networks can be improved by a kerbside management scheme. The report, LOADS EASIER: Unlocking the power of the kerb, builds upon research reports by the Centre for London which outline how dynamic kerbside management is a viable solution to meet the growing demands and challenges in London’s freight delivery access. The London First report also looks at the growing challenge of freight access in London and the need for radical change.
Growing consumer demand and the rising trend in quick, hassle-free delivery culture has a substantial impact on congestion, air quality with direct effects on communities. By 2030, the demand for parcels will have more than doubled in London. Limited city kerbside access and navigating narrow streets put a toll on freight operators and delivery drivers who spend time and mileage idling and circling for suitable delivery points.
Freight, servicing and delivery vehicles in London:
‘Kerb’ is a kerbside management platform with sector specific tailored solutions to help flexibly and dynamically manage the kerbside. Stantec assessed the kerb products using the Department of Transport’s Transport Appraisal Guidance. As part of the assessment a range of parameters and metrics were defined such as delivery slot duration, kerbside capacity and kerbside demand. These assumptions were then used to examine the performance of the products in different urban settings and to compare costs with benefits for both kerb owners (local highway authorities) and kerb users (delivery companies).
By using the management platform, freight drivers can book slots for access, deliver goods and services to the right place at the right time, supporting delivery certainty and reducing Penalty Charge Notice penalties. They can also book in advance, so that more deliveries can be offloaded within the same time frame. A bookable kerbside means cities have more flexibility in how scarce kerb space availability can be used better, reducing circling delivery vehicles and congestion and helping to improve air quality and reduce emissions. A dynamic kerb space could be a loading bay in the morning, cargo bike delivery bay in the afternoon, street eatery or parklet in the evening and taxi rank by night.
Multiple groups of society will benefit from a platform including London boroughs, freight operators, the environment, and local communities with better urban realm for visitors and residents. The solution has been designed with delivery drivers at the core of the user experience.
David Bowers, Director of Transport, Stantec, said: “Our analysis shows that better management of the kerbside could bring a wide range of economic and financial benefits to delivery operators and road users by reducing the need for vehicles to circulate whilst looking for a safe space to make a delivery – which in turn helps reduce causes of congestion and emissions and makes delivery operations more efficient.”
Neil Herron, Founder and CEO, Grid Smarter Cities, said: “We have a unique opportunity to showcase London to the world with the implementation of a dynamic, bookable kerbside management solution that reduces congestion, improves air quality and enables businesses and communities to receive goods and services more efficiently.
“This report creates a methodology and quantifiable value of those benefits and a process that can be replicated and scaled for other cities. The analysis validates the value that dynamic kerbside management can bring to cities and its citizens, to operators and to the environment - offering a 'win-win' for all. Let’s now begin the process of turning these proof points into action.’’
Read the LOADS EASIER: Unlocking the power of the kerb full report here:
The research findings and the benefits of a kerbside management scheme have been further explored in a webinar today featuring Stantec, Grid Smarter Cities, Logistics UK, British Parking Association, Brewery Logistics Group and E-cargo bike delivery specialists. The panel discussed issues such as challenges currently faced by retailers and delivery companies, potential benefits of digitising the kerbside, mapping and digitalising kerbsides, TRO and regulatory regimes, managing and enforcing digital kerbside management, and the future of kerb space.
About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.
We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.
We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.
About Grid Smarter Cities
Grid Smarter Cities is a technology and software solutions company founded in 2009, specialising in kerbside management solutions for commercial freight. It has 15 granted patents across several territories covering kerbside delivery, servicing and construction sectors.
Grid has assembled a unique team and suite of solutions to address the full complexity of freight servicing and delivery challenges. Grid’s award-winning solutions have attracted worldwide interest from cities, transport & infrastructure companies, consultancies, and strategic international investors.
Grid’s mission is to improve journeys and lives by curating an ecosystem of connected technologies that enables equitable and sustainable access within communities.
Media Contacts
Alicia de Haldevang
UK Public Relations Manager, Stantec
Alicia.dehaldevang@stantec.com
Seline Shaw
Marketing Lead, Grid Smarter Cities
seline.shaw@gridsmartercities.com
Notes to Editors:
The Grid Smarter Cities report: LOADS EASIER: Unlocking the power of the kerb for smarter and greener deliveries
The Grid Smarter Cities webinar can be viewed here: LOADS EASIER: Unlocking the power of the kerb for smarter and greener deliveries
The Centre for London report: Worth the Weight: Making London’s deliveries greener and smarter
London First report: For the goods of the city
