Consolidated Distribution
Lancashire County Council’s Draft LTP2 considers the environmental and social impacts of freight in Section 3.5, and promotes modal shift wherever possible. One of the key issues relating to Lancaster’s congestion problem is that goods vehicles are restricted in the pedestrian centre. One way to reduce the goods vehicle congestion is to develop a freight distribution centre for local deliveries.
Also known as “shared logistics platforms” or “urban consolidation centres”, the idea is to intercept freight destined for Lancaster and Morecambe close to a motorway junction or rail terminal, and to transfer it onto smaller, cleaner, more acceptable vehicles for delivery to local businesses at pre-arranged times. This would result in fewer large vehicles using local roads, more efficient delivery of smaller loads, and creation of local jobs.
Case study – Bristol
In 2005, Bristol City Council and logistics firm Excel set up a freight centre outside Bristol city centre to serve the Broadmead shopping area. Around 30 retailers are already participating in the scheme, which is predicted to reduce delivery vehicle movements by approximately 70%