Quiet night-time deliveries a success with retailers
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
QUIET NIGHT-TIME deliveries could become more commonplace following the success of trials involving retailers Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Asda, Superdrug and Tesco.
Speaking at the Quiet Delivery Demonstration Scheme’s (QDDS) results launch this week, transport minister Mike Penning said: “By following proven methodology, shop owners and supermarkets can receive deliveries outof-hours without being a nuisance to residents. Less congestion, better air quality and safer roads means a win-win situation.” Six trials took place between June 2010 and April 2011, funded by the Department for Transport and backed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Noise Abatement Society. Four were fully completed, while two were delayed because of planning restrictions and factors beyond the QDDS’s control.
FTA head of policy for London Natalie Chapman says: “These trials show the essential role retailers must play in engaging with their local authorities and residents to demonstrate the benefits of out-of-hours deliveries.” Chapman adds: “Retailers don’t want to disturb residents. By providing real solutions, we have come up with more than just a compromise: we have shown that journey times, fuel economy and air quality, as well as stock turnaround, can be improved without affecting residents’ right to a good night’s sleep.”