Combining on-foot porters with vans for last-mile parcel deliveries: results of a study in central London

Parcel delivery operations in central London currently consist of drivers using vans. Drivers travel by road, leaving their vehicle parked at the kerbside for up to 60% of the round time while making deliveries on-foot to consignees, walking up to 10 km per day. A trial was carried out in which on-foot porters using wheeled bags made parcel deliveries to consignees, supplied by van. The results of this trial and additional analysis of its wider implementation across Londons Central Activities Zone (CAZ) indicate that parcel portering could result in reductions in vehicle parking time at kerbside (of approximately 50-65%), and vehicle driving time and distance travelled (of approximately 25-35%) compared to current parcel operations. These operational outcomes would result in associated improvements in greenhouse gas emissions and local air quality, as well as reductions in the vehicle fleets required by carriers. Related planning considerations for public policy makers including the review of vehicle kerbside stopping regulations to encourage portering, the provision of land for secure storage facilities for goods to be delivered by porters, and rest break facilities for porters are identified and discussed.