Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) | Update

12th December 2023 / Posted by Guillaume Strebelle

As the year comes to a close, CRP are reflecting on what’s been a fantastic start to the delivery of the Defra-funded Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) programme!  

While it has only been 6 months since the launch of the programme, CRP have encouraging and exciting updates to share with you below: 

  • CRP will be supporting a 6-month micro-logistics hub in the undercroft of Waterloo Station.
  • CRP’s Pimlico Hub has removed 3,260kg CO2 over 7 months, and other hubs are in the pipeline.
  • CRP will enable up to 6 local authorities to trial virtual loading bays in 2 locations, improving air quality and reduce congestion levels.
  • CRP will support the installation of parcel lockers in Richmond, Wandsworth, Hackney and potentially other locations.
  • Fully fund and support the installation of electric charging infrastructure at up to 3 agreed locations. 
  • Reduce carbon emissions by incorporating cargo bikes or walking freight as part of the last-mile delivery. 
  • CRP is acting as a bridge between local authorities and logistics operators, encouraging and enabling a shift towards low-carbon logistics. 
  • CRP is monitoring benefits of being part of the SGL programme in terms of Nitrogen Dioxide / Oxides, Particulate Matter (2.5 & 10) and Carbon Dioxide. 
  • Support the integration of river freight with parcel lockers, virtual loading bays, and low emission onward delivery. 

Find out more about the SGL programme here.  

For regular updates on the various SGL projects, be sure to sign up to our newsletter. 

Focussing on Freight at the Thames & London Waterways Forum

12th December 2023 / Posted by Fiona Coull

CRP’s Senior Programme Manager, Fiona Coull, was delighted to have sat on the ‘Planning and Freight’ Panel as part of the annual Thames & London Waterways Forum earlier this month. 

The forum, which was organised by the Port of London Authority (PLA), Transport for London (TfL) and Greater London Authority (GLA), was a brilliant opportunity to connect various stakeholders to discuss the region’s blue spaces.   

Following a keynote speech on integrating the river into London’s transport network from Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, the ‘Planning and Freight’ Panel discussed the opportunity that the Thames provides as an environmentally friendly freight solution.  

During the panel, CRP’s ‘London Light Freight River Trial’ was referenced as a key case study to highlight the logistics opportunities that The Thames can provide. The trial, which was London’s first daily, multi-supplier, river freight trial that incorporated return deliveries, removed 3 vans from London’s roads, increased efficiency, improved reliability and resulted in emissions savings of 92% for NOx, 96% for CO2, 79% for PM10 and 78% for PM2.5. 

The panel also discussed the key opportunities and barriers for organisations looking to use the river for freight. Opportunities included drivers around sustainability, efficiency and reliability, however barriers focussed on infrastructure, economic viability / scale and the current complexities in terms of enabling businesses to start using the river. 

For more information, please contact CRP Senior Programme Manager Fiona Coull, fionacoull@crossriverpartnership.org

Clean Air Thames vessel, Driftwood II, at Barrier Gardens Pier

11th December 2023 / Posted by Sefinat Otaru

CRP joined Clean Air Thames project partners, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and the City of London Corporation, to take photos with Driftwood II at the newly refurbished Barrier Gardens Pier last month.  

Driftwood II, which is owned by the PLA, is used to collect debris from the Thames.  The 34-year-old vessel was one of two vessels retrofitted to reduce air pollutants in its exhaust as part of Clean Air Thames which was funded through Round 3 of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund 

The other vessel was GPS Anglia owned by GPS Marine Contractors. 

Researchers from University College London analysed the vessel’s exhaust before and after the work was carried out. Their measurements showed reductions across all compounds monitored, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, with the greatest improvements at the highest engine speeds. 

For more information about the project, please email CRP Project Manager, Sefinat Otaru. 

CRP to host Courier Fair in 2024

11th December 2023 / Posted by Sarah Meertens

As we commence planning for 2024 here at CRP, we are delighted to announce our upcoming Courier Fair! The event, to be held on Wednesday 7th February 4:30-6pm, will be an opportunity for logistics operators to meet and build relationships with local authorities and BIDs. 

Developed as part of our Defra-funded Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) programme, the Courier Fair will provide an opportunity for informal 1-2-1 conversation between local authorities and logistics operators.  

Local authorities and BIDs will be able to speak to multiple operators, to understand their requirements and what they can do in terms of local policy and planning to support operators. Vice versa, it is an opportunity for operators to ask local authorities and BIDs about potential spaces, share any upcoming plans with them, and identify opportunities for further support. 

More details, including the host venue, will be shared in the new year! 

If you are interested in joining the event or have any questions, please reach out to CRP Project Officer Sarah Meertens

The Future of EV Charging

11th December 2023 / Posted by Sobastian Frazer

City Hall and Places for London, TfL’s property company, have brought forward five new ultra-rapid charging hubs in London! These hubs will be capable of charging electric vehicles in 10-30 minutes.  

At the London EV Show, Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, announced that land has been identified to develop five new electric charging hubs. These hubs will help to create a greener and more connected London for everyone, as well as generate long-term revenue to be reinvested into the transport network.   

The locations of these ultra-rapid charging hubs will be in Hanger Lane in Ealing, Canning Town in Camden, Hillingdon Circus in Hillingdon, Hatton Cross in Hillington and Tottenham Hale in Haringey and will all include at least six ultra-rapid charging bays. Hanger Lane in Ealing will be host to the largest site, with up to 20 rapid charging bays and other rental facilities.  

London has over 18,000 accessible EV charging points, of which 1000 are rapid or ultra-rapid. You can view Zap-Map’s most recent data for November 2023 here. London has plans to deliver the expected requirement of 40,000 to 60,000 charge points by 2030, of which 4000 will be rapid charge points. The Electric Vehicle Uptake in the UK and London report found that more electric cars have been purchased over the last 4 years, an increase of 23.2 percent.  

Seb Dance, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, said:“The wheels of change are turning on London’s streets – and they’re electric.”

If you would like to find out more about EV Charging Opportunities within CRP’s SGL programme, please contact CRP Programme Officer Sobastian Frazer sobastianfrazer@crossrverpartnership.org

Rail Technology Magazine’s coverage of CRP’s Waterloo Freight Hub

11th December 2023 / Posted by Ross Phillips

CRP is continuing to develop the Waterloo Freight Hub project, with the aim of converting underutilised space in Waterloo’s undercroft space into a multi-operator, zero emission, clean, green freight hub.

CRP are pleased that the Waterloo Freight Hub project has featured in various news outlets over the past couple of months, including Rail Technology Magazine and Greenfleet, showing lots of positivity and enthusiasm for a transformative project across London.

The Waterloo Freight Hub has the potential to remove large delivery vehicles from the roads, replaced by zero emission delivery methods such as cargo bikes, electric vans and walking porters. This could have huge environmental, social and economic benefits for London, potentially impacting 3.5 million people and 200,000 businesses in inner London.

CRP will also be sharing more information on the Waterloo Freight Hub in Rail Technology Magazine before Christmas, so please do keep an eye out on the next edition of Rail Technology Magazine on Thursday 21st December.

For more information about the Waterloo Freight Hub, please email CRP Sustainable Transport Manager Ross Phillips.

The CRP Team is growing!

11th December 2023 / Posted by Katie Smith

CRP are pleased to welcome a new member of the team – Katie Smith, Communications and Business Development Officer.   

Katie will be supporting to promote the brilliant work happening across Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) and other CRP programmes! 

Prior to this role, Katie worked at Hartlepool Borough Council, where she supported businesses and business growth in Hartlepool. With a particular focus on tourism and the visitor economy, Katie delivered various successful marketing activities including social media campaigns and events. She also studied Geography at Newcastle University.  

On working for CRP, Katie said: “It’s exciting to be learning about the varied and interesting range of projects CRP are working on! Raising awareness of CRP’s work and growing partnership working is really important, and I look forward to contributing to strengthening this.”   

CRP Conversations: Transport Equity

11th December 2023 / Posted by Katherine Fairfax

In November, CRP hosted our last CRP Conversations which focused on the topic of Transport Equity. The session explored different understandings and applications of equity in transport research, policy, and delivery. 

Speakers from Active Travel Academy, Centre for London, Pedal My Wheels and Cross River Partnership discussed the social impacts of transport policymaking, planning, and delivery, and the measures that can be taken to reduce barriers to and improve opportunities for sustainable transport. 

We would like to thank Dr Tom Cohen (Active Travel Academy), Millie Mitchell (Centre for London), Alper Muduroglu (Pedal My Wheels) and Sefinat Otaru (Cross River Partnership) for such an informative and engaging session.   

A recording of the session, speaker slides and relevant publications can be found here. 

To keep up-to-date with future CRP events, as well as project news, funding opportunities and much more, subscribe to the CRP newsletter here.

For more information, please contact CRP Project Manager (Communications) Katherine Fairfax.

SGL Urban Logistics Hub Advice

11th December 2023 / Posted by Isidora Rivera Vollmer

As part of the Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) Urban Logistics Hubs workstream, CRP has been offering valuable guidance to our partners, including Better Bankside, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, and the London Borough of Hackney 

This guidance has involved sharing insights from our previous urban logistics hub experiences, carefully reviewing legal agreements, and facilitating the smooth flow of information within our extensive partner network.  

For local authorities and other partners seeking reliable support on their journey towards sustainable logistics, we extend an invitation to reach out to us and explore the guidance we offer.  

Our proven track record and dedication to sustainable urban development make us a valuable asset for any logistics-related projects! 

For more information, please contact CRP Project Manager Isidora Rivera Vollmer.

Westminster After Dark: Developing an Evening and Night-Time Plan

28th November 2023 / Posted by Sobastian Frazer

Westminster City Council is developing its first Evening and Night-time Plan, following the publication of the Think Night report. The Greater London Authority (GLA) recommended to the Mayor of London that all London Local Authorities should produce Night Time guidance. You can find out more about GLA guidance here. 

The Evening and Night-time Plan is being developed to meet and provide support for the diverse needs of the community. The plan will be designed to encompass different aspects of Westminster’s nightlife, including leisure, public enjoyment, travel, and safety to improve the social and cultural aspects of Westminster. Whilst ensuring and preserving resident safety at home. Improving upon safety, sustainability, inclusion and accessibility. 

The Evening and Night Time Plan aims to champion the development of the local economy, support community well-being and present the City of Westminster as a pioneering model of innovation, transforming night life and promoting the city as an inclusive and dynamic attraction. Westminster is asking residents to have their say by supplying feedback via their online engagement platform – Westminster After Dark, have your say here.