The government must take a leading role in the short term to solve the problems surrounding urban distribution. So argues ABN AMRO in a report on mobility.
That cities are slowly clogging up can no longer be called a secret, but adjustments to prevent this have so far received little support from the government, according to the bank. "Urban logistics requires adjustments, which are important not only for the regions but also for the whole of the Netherlands. It is not a problem of tomorrow."
A study is currently being conducted in the Oude Pijp area of Amsterdam in which the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, among others, is participating. The results outline the problems city distribution is currently facing: many people live in the neighbourhood, which also has many catering establishments, shops and offices. Due to the various flows of goods, vans, trucks and passenger cars drive on and off. The businesses alone account for nearly 9500 deliveries a week, not counting the parcels for residents.
Politics
In the party manifestos of the major political parties, little can be found about possible solutions to counter these problems, according to ABN AMRO: "There is some talk about the congestion in the city, but mainly about the traffic pressure that needs to be relieved with, for example, free P+R facilities." There is, however, a lot of focus on cleaner air in cities, including through electric driving. "We are on our way with that, but especially fewer cars and vans really contribute to a cleaner city."
According to the bank, there are plenty of solutions that the government could help with. "Making construction hubs mandatory in major new construction projects in the city, for example. Encouraging initiatives to use delivery vans more efficiently and have fewer empty runs could also be important." Finally, ABN AMRO mentions electric transport for the last mile of parcels.
In the report, the bank speaks of a "very interesting time of transitions" ahead. "A period when the self-driving car driver will share the road with autonomous trucks. Regulation and infrastructure adjustments will be necessary."
