How urban space is being used and allocated can influence
congestion, noise, road risk, air quality, GHG emissions as well as
liveability. At the same time there is a gap for purpose-oriented
freight data collection in cities to support their decision making
towards sustainability targets such as climate neutrality, air quality,
road safety reducing congestion and better use of public space
Proposals should consider dynamic space re-allocation for the
integration of urban freight at local level and the impacts of how urban
space is being used as well as the optimal mix of space distribution
and of land uses. Proposals should analyse the potential of
strategically positioned urban (or peri-urban) spaces to develop and
implement a pilot demonstration, (but without interfering with parks,
trees or other recreational green areas). The aim is to reduce the
impact of freight transport and logistics on the urban fabric.
Projects
could consider involving real estate companies, logistics service
providers, together with cities, to develop sustainable business models
for open and clean hubs/consolidation spaces in cities (for example
using/sharing existing private locations such as underground private
parking, office buildings and other potential available spaces in cities
– while respecting security constraints).
A more
efficient policymaking on urban freight logistics requires cities to
enhance their data collection capabilities, while private logistics or
e-commerce (like food delivery) companies and services should be
encouraged to share data. Potential applications are Urban Vehicle
Access Regulations (UVARs), including Low Emission Zones (LEZ), smart
parking and dynamic space management and better traffic planning. A vast
amount of transport data from different parts of the transport system
currently remains unexploited. Understanding barriers and opportunities
as well as developing local capacity related to data collection within
the urban and peri-urban transport system is a first step to encourage
private and public organisations to share transport data. Potential
benefits of the data applications need to be checked on how they could
support the optimization of sustainable mobility plans (SUMPs) and
sustainable logistics plans (SULPs).
A thorough
evaluation should provide qualitative and quantitative information on
the results of the local solutions implemented. The effectiveness of the
proposed measures in achieving local policy objectives should be
evaluated and the possible barriers to their broad take up and
deployment identified, together with recommendations on how to overcome
them. This should be accompanied by mechanisms for common lesson drawing
and learning, within the project, between the projects funded under
this topic and through the CIVITAS Initiative.
Proposals
may include preparatory, take up and replication actions, research
activities, as well as tools to support local planning and policy
making. A demonstrated contribution to the implementation of the cities’
Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans is expected. If not already in place,
the city can develop a Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan or other
appropriate planning instrument to manage urban freight and logistics.
Funding for major infrastructure works is not eligible. Proposals should
plan for an active collaboration within the CIVITAS initiative.
This
topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the
involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of
relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant
effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research
activities.
Cross-cutting Priorities:
Socio-economic science and humanities
