Draft Freight Strategy Consultation
11.0 Sustainability
One of the visions of the Department for Transport's Future of Freight: A Long-term Plan is:
Achieving a net zero freight and logistics sector by 2050, whilst supporting broader environmental objectives of air quality and noise reduction.
There are various measures that are currently being implemented and ongoing areas of research and development to help achieve this target.
11.1 Emissions
Transport is the largest contributor to UK domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019 HGVs contributed 16% of domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government's Road to Zero Strategy promotes a voluntary 15% reduction of greenhouse gases in the haulage industry by 2025 compared to 2015 levels. This is supported by the industry and major trade bodies such as the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA). This is likely to be achieved through a combination of measures, including:
- Improvements to engine technology such as EURO 6 compliant engines
- Improvements in fuel efficiency
- Aerodynamic equipment and more efficient tyres
- Vehicle telematics
- Driver training
According to the National Infrastructure Commission's Future of Freight Interim Report, emissions from road freight have already started to fall as a result of these measures.
11.2 Air quality
The main source of air pollution in Central Bedfordshire is from road transport, with the highest levels associated with the M1 motorway and trunk roads which have significant daily traffic flows, but also from within town centres. Other sources of air pollution originate outside of the authority, for example emissions from London and eastern Europe. Within the authority boundary local industry is also a contributor; there are currently 77 industrial processes permitted by Central Bedfordshire Council. Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality within its area and to react accordingly to safeguard communities should pollutant levels exceed national air quality standards. Further information on air quality monitoring in Central Bedfordshire can be found on our website.
11.2.1 Engine idling
Engine idling can be a local source of air pollution; emissions from delivery vehicles could be reduced if engines were switched off (where possible) whilst deliveries are taking place. This is particularly important in built up areas where reducing vehicle emissions would help to protect the health of the community and improve local air quality, plus save fuel. Further information on engine idling can be found on our website.
11.3 Alternative fuels
Whilst lower and zero emission technologies are developed, diesel is likely to remain the main fuel source for HGVs. As an interim measure, whilst zero emission technologies are developed other fuel options are being explored that emit less greenhouse gases than diesel. These include:
- Low carbon liquid fuels are either delivered in low blends with petrol and diesel or higher blends with biodiesel. The main benefit is that they can be used in existing diesel HGVs and can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. A disbenefit is the potential issues with the vehicle warranty not supporting alternative fuels, which has been a barrier to its widespread use.
- There is growing interest in the use of natural gas in HGVs because of its potential to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions compared to diesel. Natural gas vehicles can also provide other benefits, such as quieter operation that may make them more suitable for certain tasks such as night operation.
11.4 Zero emission technologies
Zero emission technologies for HGVs are currently at different stages of development, with electric solutions already in place for smaller, short-haul HGVs. Research and development are ongoing for larger long-haul HGVs; in theory the technology exists but further work is required before such vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure are likely to be widely available.
11.5 Last mile delivery
One of the key trends affecting the freight and logistics sector is the increase in online sales and the desire for next day or even same-day delivery. This has led to an increase in local deliveries in vans and large goods vehicles. The final leg of the journey, that sees goods either delivered to shops to be sold to local collection points or directly to homes is known as the 'last mile'. Sustainable forms of freight transport, including small electric commercial vehicles and e-cargo bikes are already delivering goods and services sustainably, with several emerging technologies in this sector including delivery drones and robots, supported by consolidation centres. The use of local collection points is another solution to reducing the number of delivery vehicles in residential streets and can sometimes prove to be more convenient for the recipient, as they are able to collect their parcel at a time that suits them, rather than waiting in for a delivery.
11.6 Actions related to sustainability
Action 6 – Sustainability
- The Council is supportive of businesses that take steps to reduce their carbon footprint in relation to the transportation of goods, including innovative 'last mile' delivery solutions that reduces the number of vans and large goods vehicles in residential streets.
- The Council will continue to monitor air quality in the authority and put in place action plans where pollutant levels exceed air quality objective levels set by government.
- The Council will continue to raise awareness of engine idling through campaigns and publicity.
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