OPERATORS LOOK FOR INNOVATION IN OLYMPIC DELIVERY
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Gareth Smith, head of development industrial at Wincanton, says that while the issue of delivering to customers in London during the Olympics in 2012 will need to be carefully considered, the firm has plenty of experience of routing and scheduling its deliveries during seasonal peaks and on busy roads.
He adds: "It's this experience that will be drawn upon to make sure any potential impact the Olympics has on deliveries to customers in London is minimised.
"The increased use of in-cab technology across fleets will help drivers avoid areas that have restricted access or congestion."
Smith adds that the possibility of night deliveries "might be explored" to assist deliveries to the capital during the Games. He adds: "A sustained increase in collaboration could ease the amount of vehicles heading into London while the Games take place, and that will help to reduce congestion during this time," Simon Harper, head of road network at TNT, recognises that the consultation process for the Olympic Route Network is at a "very early stage".
He adds: "We are a bit off at the moment in terms of timings basically three years away so we are not too concerned at the moment. As we get closer to the event, we'll be getting more closely engaged with the situation. The guys are very cool about it; there is a massive lead-in time and we are confident the situation will be OK."
DHL says it is reviewing the detail of the Olympic Route Network proposal and, until this is complete, it "cannot comment on any impact" to its business.
A spokesperson adds: "As a major express delivery and logistics f irm in London, we will participate in any consultation that could impact our operations in the capital."
Food delivery company 3663 First for Foodservice says it is "engaging with a number of Olympic bodies" and will "fulfil the relevant requirements" after consulting with its customers.
A statement says: "In some instances, night deliveries would suit us better, as there would potentially be less congestion, but again, we would address and manage it with our customers to ensure they don't see any disruption to their service."