TRENDS IN URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT: SETTING A FRAMEWORK FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Statistics for road traffic between 1985 and 1995 are examined and trends identified in the contribution made by lorries, light vans and cars on urban roads and on all roads. Problems experienced by freight traffic in towns are discussed including the competition for road space, peak traffic flows and limitations on loading and unloading such as that imposed by pedestrianisation. Possible future developments that might change the impact of urban goods movement and improve the efficiency of freight operations are urban transhipment and a shift towards home shopping and delivery. It is suggested that freight should be given a higher priority. A number of experiments are suggested including the use of shared lorry-bus lanes. For the covering abstract see IRRD 894325.