Consolidation plans for Birmingham congestion
Date: 04 December 2007
Birmingham City Council is considering proposals for urban freight consolidation centres (UFCC) to help reduce haulage congestion in the city.
The council is to undertake a study into the potential benefits or problems of such a plan, which would aim to see fewer trucks delivering loads to the city centre's streets.
UFCCs, which have already been implemented in other cities including Bristol and Norwich, allow surplus stock to be stored away from city centres freeing up space.
They are also intended to reduce the need for hauliers to travel into densely urban and central areas carrying part loads.
"Studies elsewhere in the UK have shown that there can be many benefits to be gained by the introduction of UFCCs, including less congestion, reduction in noise and air pollution and in the number of accidents," said councillor Len Gregory.
In fact a study carried out by the University of Westminster in 2005 identified one of the main beneficiaries of such a scheme as smaller retailers not already part of a consolidated supply chain and logistics structure.
The report, which was produced for the Department for Transport, also found haulage firms and owner operators delivering part loads and subject to disproportionate parking fees and loading times would be likely to benefit.
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