Increasing demand for eCommerce delivery will likely result in 36 per cent more delivery vehicles in inner cities by 2030 according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) International. These findings come despite new policy proposals from the UK and EU in the ongoing global pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions.
Keith Newton, secretary-general of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International, said:
“Policy commitments to decarbonisation are a necessary start, but if governments are to actually make a difference and achieve net zero emissions, they need to act as bridge between businesses, consumers, and transport industry professionals. Decarbonisation is the single greatest long-term challenge facing the transport and logistics industry, but lasting positive change will only come with changes in business and consumer habits.
“Put simply, businesses are influenced by consumer decisions. If there is continued consumer demand for services such as next day delivery, businesses will understandably continue to provide them, driving a rise in vehicle demand and emissions levels.”
CILT International also says that emissions from delivery traffic will increase by 32 per cent and congestion will go up by over 21 per cent, equalling an additional 11 minutes of commute time for each passenger every day. These figures do not account for additional factors such as the impact of Next Day Delivery: same-day and instant delivery are the fastest-growing segments in the last-mile. For example, Amazon in their key markets despatch 75 per cent of their parcels on a next day basis.
In Europe same-day delivery is less common, accounting for 5 per cent of deliveries whereas in China ten per cent is same day and instant delivery.
Newton added: “There are many factors to build in when considering the environmental impact of the Next-Day Delivery phenomenon. These include safety on the roads, advanced transport & urban planning, managing vehicle use and routes, clean air factors, and safe segregation of vehicles and people. Governments internationally must work with professional bodies and industry practitioners to assess demonstrate viable alternatives and pursue new solutions to the Next-Day-Delivery demand.”
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