Short term actions to reorganize transport of goods (START)

Objectives

The overall goal of START is to reduce energy use by making the freight traffic in the cities more efficient, by consolidation of deliveries, improved load factors and greater use of more energy efficient vehicles. The START project addresses STEER VKA 9 on Policy measures for an efficient use of energy in transport. particularly VKA 9.1 Reducing demand for transport; VKA 9.2 Enhancing energy efficiency in a transport mode; and VKA 9.5 Information and awareness and education.

The START high level objectives are:

• A reduction of energy use by freight traffic in the demonstration areas by 10%.
• A reduction of CO2 (minus 7%), NOx (minus 10%) and PM10 (minus 15%) emissions by freight traffic in the demonstration areas.
• Increased awareness and acceptance from the local transport sectors about the possible ways to increase energy and economic efficiency of freight transport.
• Increased public private co-operation.
• Increased transnational exchange of experience among the stakeholders on freight transport in European cities.
• The high level objectives will be reached without hindering the economic development in the demonstration areas.

Description

The START approach is based on close collaboration between public and private partners and the combination of positive incentives, more coercive regulations and enhanced logistics. The project will be carried out in four front running European cities: Goteborg, Bristol, Ravenna and Riga, and the follower city Ljubljana. Exchange of experience between the different stakeholders is organized in a structured way through thematic workshops, public European events for stakeholders, demonstrator fact sheets and evaluation results.
Recognizing the importance of the co-operation with and the acceptance of the freight and business sector, the START project is based on Local Freight Networks, which are a formalised form of co-operation between all stakeholders involved in the local freight sector. The local freight networks will be responsible for establishing a detailed planning for the integrated package of demonstration measures and will have periodic meetings to discuss progress, dissemination and evaluation activities. By developing and evaluating policies and measures in cooperation with the stakeholders, awareness and acceptance is safeguarded. The demonstration measures are organized in three thematic work packages on access restrictions, consolidation centres and incentives.

Expected Results

The START cities will develop regulations for new and expanded restricted areas and implement these area restrictions. In addition, the START cities will implement consolidation schemes in new areas and with new participants. A business model will be developed and additional services will be implemented. A complete programme of incentives will be implemented directed at raising awareness among freight companies about energy efficiency and to stimulate more sustainable behaviour by promoting the introduction of clean vehicles (CNG and Bio-fuels); developing “extras” for clean vehicles and trucks with a high load rate; and promoting and training drivers for eco-driving and maintenance of vehicles.
Over 75 stakeholder organisations will be involved in the local freight networks. More than 150 companies will be directly involved in the local measures. Dissemination actions will be directed to over 300 European cities and more than 4000 local business and hauler companies.