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Unlocking the Potential of Parcel Lockers: CRP Shares Insights at International Webinar

26th February 2025 / Posted by Isidora Rivera Vollmer

On 29th January 2025, CRP joined city and industry leaders at the “Let’s Talk About Parcel Lockers” webinar, co-hosted by C40 Cities, POLIS Network, and ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe). The session brought together experts from New York, Stockholm, France, The Netherlands, and London to discuss best practices for implementing sustainable, accessible, and efficient parcel locker networks. 

CRP’s Project Manager Isidora Rivera Vollmer shared lessons from their London-based parcel locker trials, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of integrating lockers into urban environments. Key takeaways included: 

  • Strategic placement is critical: Parcel lockers should balance the needs of delivery operators and end users, ideally being located near transit hubs, residential areas, and commercial zones to encourage collection by foot or bike. 
  • Cities play a key role: Local authorities don’t need to own lockers but can act as facilitators and regulators, ensuring optimal placement, size, and operator diversity to prevent over-saturation. 
  • Multimodal opportunities exist: CRP’s pilots have integrated river and cargo bike freight, demonstrating how lockers can support more sustainable urban logistics. 
  • Infrastructure planning is essential: Power supply and land use considerations must be addressed early, as seen in New York’s LockerNYC pilot, which faced challenges securing electricity connections. 

CRP remains committed to supporting cities and businesses in developing effective parcel locker strategies. If your organisation is interested in data analysis, policy recommendations, or pilot projects, get in touch to explore how CRP’s consultancy services can help. 

For more insights, check out the full webinar summary here: https://www.polisnetwork.eu/news/lets-talk-about-parcel-lockers-location-size-and-operation/#UrbanLogistics  

CRP Attends London Growth Plan Roundtable

26th February 2025 / Posted by Isidora Rivera Vollmer

On 13th February 2025, CRP joined key London stakeholders at the London Network Roundtable, hosted by Centre for London, to discuss the updated GLA’s Growth Plan ahead of its official launch on Thursday 27th February.  

The event, held under Chatham House Rule, featured Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business, who provided insights into the upcoming strategy for London’s economic growth. 

The London Growth Plan sets out a vision for a thriving, sustainable city, addressing challenges and opportunities in sectors like infrastructure, innovation, and investment. The roundtable discussion explored: 

  • London’s position in a changing global economy 
  • The role of business, transport, and sustainability in driving growth 
  • Opportunities for public-private partnerships to support local economies 

As London moves forward, collaboration between local government, businesses, and community organisations will be key to shaping a more resilient and prosperous city. 

Stay tuned for updates on the London Growth Plan and its impact on CRP’s work! 

Supporting Safer School Streets through Healthy Streets Everyday II

26th February 2025 / Posted by Ross Phillips

2024 saw the kick off of the Healthy Streets Everyday II (HSE II) programme, CRP’s Mayor’s Air Quality Funded 3-year programme.  HSE II will address the issue of over-dependence on private vehicles, and the associated issues of poor Air Quality, Environment, Safety, Health, and Wellbeing.  

One of the exciting outputs delivered so far has been 6 School Streets that have been installed across the London Borough of Lambeth, including 2 exemplar school streets, creating safer and more pleasant environments outside of schools by prioritising children, while reducing road danger and improving air quality.  

This week has seen our HSE II School Streets Q&A campaign kick-off where we will be sharing lots of resources and knowledge about how local authorities can implement school streets in their borough. This will cover topics such as where is suitable for school streets, how to engage with the community and how to monitor these projects before, during and after.  

Head to CRP’s LinkedIn and X channels for more! 

For more information about this campaign, contact CRP Project Lead for Healthy Streets Everyday II, Ross Phillips.

SGL Unpacked: London Light Freight Walking Trial

26th February 2025 / Posted by CRP Team

Cross River Partnership (CRP) presents its London Light Freight Walking Trial Report. Part of the Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) programme, funded by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the trial showcased the efficiency of walking freight using electric-assisted trolleys (eWalkers) to reduce emissions and congestion. 

Launched in May 2023  ̶  to support low emission last-mile deliveries in the London Borough of Camden  ̶  the 10-month trial which operated from Heal’s, delivered over 12,000 parcels within a 2km radius. CRP’s Transport Emissions Calculator recorded significant air quality improvements, with savings of 43.16g of PM10 and 22.93g of PM2.5 emissions. 

The trial demonstrated that walking freight can be operationally efficient, reducing noise and traffic while making better use of urban space. Supported by The Fitzrovia Partnership, The London Borough of Camden, UPS, and Heal’s the project received positive feedback from delivery staff, who noted improved efficiency and fewer logistical challenges. 

CRP’s recommendations for future walking freight include identifying suitable locations, supporting multi-modal delivery, and expanding sustainable logistics solutions. This successful trial provides a model for cleaner, healthier, and more liveable cities. 

Read the full report: https://crossriverpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SGL-Unpacked-The-London-Light-Walking-Freight-Trial-FINAL-1.pdf  

Contact CRP Senior Programme Manager Fiona Coull for more information.  

CRP Presents at Future Transport Forum

26th February 2025 / Posted by Fiona Coull

Earlier this year, CRP joined stakeholders from across the country at the Future Transport Forum, which aimed to showcase various logistics solutions that are being piloted across the UK. 

The event, which was hosted by Solent Transport, included some fascinating presentations, including one by CRP’s Senior Programme Manager Fiona Coull. 

As part of her presentation, Fiona discussed CRP’s work on delivering micro logistics hubs in central London and the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and implementing effective urban logistics solutions. 

You can find out more about CRP’s micro logistics work here. 

To understand how we can support you to deliver innovative urban logistics solutions, please contact CRP Senior Programme Manager Fiona Coull  

SGL Express | Traffic Monitoring Helps Assess Impact of Cycleway

21st January 2025 / Posted by CRP Team

As part of the Defra-funded Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) project, Cross River Partnership (CRP) has partnered with the London Borough of Southwark to evaluate the impact of Cycleway 4 in Surrey Quay. The final part of the installation of this segregated cycle lane took place on Lower Road, in early 2024. It provides a continuous route from Tower Bridge to Greenwich, promoting active travel and reducing traffic emissions. 

11 Vivacity sensors were used to analyse changes in pedestrian, cyclist, motor vehicle, and freight traffic before and after the cycleway’s installation. This comprehensive study also incorporated air quality assessments, measuring reductions in pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). 

The results speak for themselves: reports revealed a noticeable increase in cyclist activity on Lower Road, alongside valuable insights into traffic and freight movements. CRP’s data-driven approach helped the London Borough of Southwark build a robust business case, showcasing the success of Cycleway 4 and supporting future sustainable transport initiatives.

Read the full case study: https://crossriverpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WS8-Southwark-Traffic-Monitoring-case-study-1.pdf 

Do you find this case study inspiring?  

CRP offers expert consultancy services in monitoring, data analysis, and sustainable logistics. Get in touch to explore how we can support your projects and help drive meaningful change for your community. 

Interested in CRP’s Consultancy Services? 

For more information, please contact Ross Phillips, CRP Sustainable Transport Manager. 

Smarter Greener Logistics: The Final Stages

20th January 2025 / Posted by Fiona Coull

CRP’s Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) Programme has nearly been completed! In fact, we’re currently in the process of preparing our Q7 report to Defra which will be submitted at the end of the month.

Over the past 3 months, CRP and our partners have: 

  • Completed a kerbside management trial of 8 virtual loading bays across London
  • Published 2 new case studies

To find out more about all the excited initiatives delivered through SGL, please contact CRP Senior Programme Manager Fiona Coull 

Launching CRP’s Safety After Dark Campaign

17th January 2025 / Posted by Sefinat Otaru

CRP is pleased to announce our new “Safety After Dark” communications campaign as part of the Horizon EU-funded Just Streets project. Running from January 21st to 31st, the campaign aims to raise awareness about creating safe spaces for everyone in urban areas after dark. 

The initiative will cover a variety of important topics, including street design, behaviour change, community collaboration, and effective wayfinding. The campaign also seeks to highlight the excellent work already being accomplished in London to enhance safety and security in public spaces after sunset. 

Our goal is that as the “Safety After Dark” campaign unfolds, it sparks conversations that drive change in London and other cities towards increased inclusivity and safety for all.  

Visit our website for more information about our participation in Just Streets and our efforts to improve urban safety, visit. 

Clean Air Night

17th January 2025 / Posted by CRP Team

On 22nd January 2025, Global Action Plan’s Clean Air Night highlighted the hidden issue of woodsmoke pollution, which builds up in neighbourhoods as log burners are lit in the evening. Woodsmoke contains harmful fine particles (PM2.5) that can lead to heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia. Even newer “ecodesign” wood burners pollute homes three times more than those without. 

Wood burning is not only the most polluting way to heat a home but also contributes to CO2 emissions and is often more expensive than other options. 

Launched in January 2024, Clean Air Night raises awareness of these risks and encourages cleaner heating solutions. 

Find more helpful facts about wood burning at Global Action Plan’s website: cleanairhub.org.uk/clean-air-night. 

Congratulations to Simon Pitkeathley!

17th January 2025 / Posted by Susannah Wilks

Huge congratulations to Simon Pitkeathley , CRP’s Private Sector Board Co-Chair and CEO of Camden Town Unlimited and Euston Town BIDs, for joining the House of Lords, as Baron Pitkeathley of Camden Town.   

This is an enormous and extremely well-deserved privilege for Simon.  He is an amazing leader, innovator and force for positive change.   

We are so excited to see what he does to help shape our country’s future!
 

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