Mayor and TfL launch Freight and Servicing Action Plan

Lorries and vans currently account for around one fifth of road traffic in London and about one third in central London during the morning peak, are involved in 63 per cent of fatal collisions with cyclists, and 25 per cent of fatal collisions with pedestrians. They also account for around a third of all nitrogen oxide emissions in the capital.

The Plan outlines a bold programme to help address these challenges. It sets out how the industry can continue to meet the freight and servicing needs of London's growing population and economy, while reducing the number of lorries and vans entering central London during the morning peak by 10 per cent by 2026.

A key part of the plan includes offering more click and collect points at Tube stations, with TfL launching a tender to bid for space in their stations and open more parcel lockers across the transport network. TfL will make land available for micro-distribution centres in key locations to support sustainable last mile deliveries in neighbourhoods across the capital, including by bike. TfL will also work with businesses to encourage them to offer 'green' delivery slots, which enable shoppers to choose a delivery window when drivers are already in their area. Freight vehicles will be made safer by launching the HGV Safety Permit Scheme, incorporating the world's first Direct Vision Standard for HGVs.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: "Freight is essential for London's economy but for our future health and prosperity we need to be smarter about how we manage the millions of van and lorry journeys each week. (…) We will make freight more efficient while also reducing road danger and cleaning up London's toxic air."

Source: Transport for London website.