Increasing the number of night-time freight deliveries could ease congestion, slash transport costs and improve operations for businesses in the UK, it has been claimed.
Natalie Chapman of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) said a focus on late-night deliveries would remove lorries from peak-time congestion, benefiting businesses, residents and the environment.
However, many transport planning bosses are reluctant to switch to night-time distribution due to concerns over noise pollution during anti-social hours.
Speaking to the Freight Industry Times, Ms Chapman pointed to a three-month trial by Sainsbury's and Wandsworth Borough Council which concluded that firms following strict procedures laid out by the FTA and the Noise Abatement Society were unlikely to receive complaints from residents.
The study also found that the supermarket would benefit from significant cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint and improved supply chain reliability by switching to night-time distribution.
Ms Chapman's comments come after the FTA recently drew attention to its upcoming Urban Logistics Conference, which takes place in London next month.
The meeting will address key issues affecting urban freight deliveries and offer advice on best practice.
If you are interested in learning more about transport, visit our Service pages.
