Night-time deliveries 'will form important part of Olympic logistics'

Date: 13/5/2011

A significant part of logistics firms' plans for next summer as they prepare for the Olympic Games will include night-time deliveries.

According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), best practice and evening distribution timetables in the long term could lead to beneficial results, such as reduced emissions, a more reliable service and cost reduction.

In partnership with the Noise Abatement Society, the group reveals it has pioneered the development of techniques that allow drivers to make quiet deliveries, which could allow companies to operate at times when there are currently restrictions.

Natalie Chapman, the FTA's Head of Policy for London, says that there are "proven and irresistible" benefits to making a delivery at night, including the ability to avoid traffic.

"What the Olympics and Paralympics events will do is effectively kick-start interest in adopting this practice. But our advice to business would be to take the long view - this is not a sprint but a long-distance event," she adds.

Earlier in the week, the FTA hosted a conference where advice was offered on how to manage logistics during the Games, with local area traffic management and the Olympic Route Network all discussed.

Posted by Mary Treen