London regulators have unveiled a new plan to install a network of click and collect stations across the city in order to reduce traffic and emissions.
The city’s mayor and its transit authority Transport for London (TfL) announced a wide-ranging plan that will see more click and collect points at London Underground stations, with TfL opening a tender for companies to bid for space in stations and planning to open more parcel lockers.
The authority will also make land available for so-called “micro distribution centres”, where delivery companies can deposit goods at key points for last mile delivery by a more sustainable alternative such as bicycle.
Part of the plan involves increasing the usage of rail, as well as using waterways. TfL is already having conversations with delivery company DHL to use the Thames to transport orders, as it is doing in Amsterdam.
In addition, local government authorities will work together to coordinate freight movements on roads to allow more deliveries to take place during off-peak hours.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Freight is essential for London’s economy but for our future health and prosperity we need to be smarter about how we manage the millions of van and lorry journeys each week.
“By creating a pan-London network of micro-distribution centres and rolling out innovative click and collect points at more Tube stations, we will enable more commuters to collect packages near their home – helping reduce congestion across our city.”
Khan has previously voiced concern about urban deliveries
In a statement, TfL said around £79 billion per year or half of household expenditure relies on road freight. However, since 2010 the movement of goods vehicles in the capital have increased around 20%.
