Cities apply more than 1,500 different rules for distribution. This 'maze' of rules stands in the way of smart, clean and fast distribution. So argues Anne Griffioen, policy officer at evofenedex.
Supermarkets, drug stores, gardeners and construction companies in particular are said to be struggling with the rules they have to comply with in each of the big cities. "There is a 'jumble' of regulations. Among other things, municipalities should harmonise their vehicle requirements in urban distribution."
Together with the municipalities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan region, Bovag, RAI, the Ministry of Infrastructure and TLN, evonedex therefore drew up the Handreiking Stedelijk Goederenvervoer (Handbook on Urban Goods Transport). It addresses challenges of inner-city distribution.
According to the parties, it is important for local authorities to engage in dialogue with one another and share expectations. “Logistics chains and commercial traffic operate on a geographically larger scale than a
single local authority. The industry experiences differences in urban freight transport regimes. They are
of the view that this prevents them from achieving the most effective load factors and sustainable technology for a vehicle’s service area,” the Guide states.
Only harmonisation can modernise retail supply chains. "Through variable zones for window times or vehicle requirements, where the same rules apply in similar areas, both accessibility and liveability and greening of the city can be boosted," Griffioen said.
Read also: Government must take a leading role in greener urban distribution
Editorial LogistiekProfs
