Night-time deliveries given the go-ahead during Olympics and Paralympics
Out-of-hour deliveries are to be encouraged during the Olympic and Paralympic Games to help reduce the expected traffic congestion.
Transport for London (TfL), London councils and the capital's businesses have reached agreement to be sympathetic to companies that need to make or receive night-time deliveries. As well as helping to keep the traffic moving, it is hoped that deliveries in the early hours of the morning will also improve air quality and provide a legacy of improved road safety in the capital.
A Code of Practice, developed with the Noise Abatement Society and the Freight Transport Association, has been drawn up to provide businesses and delivery companies with practical guidance of how to minimise hoise from out-of-hour deliveries. Details are available on the TfL website at www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/london2012/21958.aspx.
London's transport commissioner, Peter Hendy, said that the success of quieter out-of-hours delivery trials demonstrate that out-of-hours deliveries will play a vital role in ensuring London and the rest of the UK keeps on moving this summer.
"I urge businesses that make or receive deliveries in London to use the Code of Practice for all out-of-hours deliveries," he said. "It is up to the freight and business community to prove to London's borough councils that they are aware of, and care about, the impact they have on the communities they deliver to. If the industry gets it right this summer, this is also a real opportunity for reducing congestion and improving air quality and road safety in London in the future."
Sue Terpilowski, London policy chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said allowing deliveries during the night is a victory for common sense. "We will work closely with our members to ensure they are aware of the Code of Practice to ensure that residents are not disturbed during the Games.
"It is vital that London remains open for business during the Games and so mitigating the risks of imposed transport obstacles are very much welcome."
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By Janet Harmer
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