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. 

CRP welcomes two new starters

28th November 2023 / Posted by Katherine Fairfax

CRP are pleased to welcome two new Project Officers to the team who will be working on projects across the Smarter Greener Logistics (SGL) programme!

Sarah has recently joined us as a Project Officer after completing her MSc in Urbanisation and Development. During her studies, Sarah focused on researching how housing policy affects local populations in London. Prior to this role, Sarah worked at a health charity, where she established a feedback mechanism between hospital patients and service providers. Guillaume also joins us as Project Officer and previously worked for Kent County Council, delivering an INTERREG-funded project across the France Channel England (FCE) area. He studied economics and political science at the University of Lille, with a focus on economic development.

On working for CRP, Sarah said: “I am happy to be part of an organisation that makes a real impact on improving air quality and transportation logistics. My start has been great so far, the team has been very welcoming and supportive! The projects at CRP are incredibly varied and interesting, and I am really excited to contribute to CRP’s different workstreams.”

On working for CRP, Guillaume said: “I am delighted to have joined the team, and I really look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders. I am convinced that collaborative work is a key factor in delivering successful sustainable projects. Sustainability is in CRP’s DNA, and I am proud to be part of this small, but impactful team.”

CRP Shines as Finalists at CiTTi Awards 2023

28th November 2023 / Posted by Isidora Rivera Vollmer

We are thrilled to share the fantastic news that Westminster City Council and Cross River Partnership’s Pimlico micro logistics hub project was honoured as finalists at the CiTTi Awards 2023, held on 21st November at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. While we may not have clinched the win in the ‘Last Mile Delivery’ category, we are proud to have been shortlisted among other outstanding organisations in our category! 

The CiTTi Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and dedication within the transportation industry. Our journey to the finals was marked by a shared passion for improving last-mile delivery solutions in London and contributing to sustainable urban development. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, commitment, collaboration, and forward-thinking approach that define Cross River Partnership. 

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of our valued partners. 

Find out more about the Pimlico micro logistics hub trial here. 

For more information, contact CRP Project Manager Isidora Rivera Vollmer isidorariveravollmer@crossriverpartnership.org