The presentation discussed the recent developments in European urban freight focusing on policy and business initiatives. This will include a review of:

• urban low emissions zones across Europe
• urban freight consolidation centres
• clean vehicles: moving from trials to implementation
• public-private partnerships in urban freight
• city and local authority planning initiatives that impact freight

In addressing these issues it is clear that there are a range of potential solutions to the problems caused and experienced by freight transport in urban areas. The goal ought to be to identify policy measures and initiatives which ensure safe vehicle operation, promote economic vitality and lead to environmental improvement. One way to achieve this is to make the most of sharing experiences between cities.

Policy makers are likely to need to adopt a range of policy approaches to addressing urban freight transport and its relationship with sustainable development. They should make use of both encouragement and compulsion in achieving these efforts. In some cases it will be necessary to impose restrictions on certain aspects of goods vehicle operation and to enforce these restrictions to meet safety and environmental objectives (Low Emission Zones are an example of this type of approach). In many cases, the greatest progress will be made by working closely with the private sector to improve the efficiency and reduce the negative impacts of urban freight. The public-private partnership approach has been shown to lead to promising results. Exploring the critical success factors is essential.

Schedule of events

9:30 am - Breakfast & registration

10:00 am to Noon - Seminar