Strategic extension of city logistics

La Rochelle/France CIVITAS SUCCESS | 2005-2009

Implementing sustainable mobility

The idea of consolidating goods on the urban periphery for subsequent delivery to retail outlets has been explored since the 1970s, but never successfully implemented. The closest examples of city logistics in Germany were based on freight forwarding companies, but these were not driven primarily by environmental concerns.

After a three-year trial in the framework of the ELCIDIS project (2002-2005), which focused on goods distribution using electric vehicles, it was decided to improve the efficiency of the logistics platform and define a methodology for developing a systematic approach to urban goods transportation that could be transferred to other towns in the La Rochelle Urban Community.

The measure was aimed specifically at enlarging the area of the city covered by the logistics system, defining the physical and managerial boundaries to be drawn between the industrial supply chain and city logistics, and promoting the use of clean vehicles.

How did the measure progress?

The first activity was a detailed analysis of the requirements and attitudes of stakeholders and of relevant measures already being implemented in La Rochelle and elsewhere. Based on this analysis, the strategic goods distribution plan was drawn up to include:

• identification of the most appropriate locations for access controls for distribution vehicles;
• installation of several specific urban delivery zones, to which retailers will go to collect their packages;
• definition of specific regulations for restricted access zones;
• testing of the new delivery vehicles;
• assessment of pollution impacts; and
• elaboration of a methodology to optimise the development of goods distribution in medium-sized towns based on acquired knowledge.

What were the outcomes of the measure?

The measure helped to:

• increase the efficiency of goods distribution in the city, leading to a reduction in goods vehicle traffic;
• create secure delivery zones;
• create a specific traffic hierarchy and regulation for goods distribution;
• reduce emissions through the introduction of clean vehicles; and
• involve all partners in the search for solutions.

This fact sheet has been updated by a third party on the basis of available information (not by the city itself), therefore we do not guarantee any data with respect to their content, completeness or up-to-dateness.

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