Source: Zag Daily

Ahead of local elections across England on 7th May, the Sustainable Urban Freight Association (SUFA) has launched a manifesto which calls on council and mayoral candidates to prioritise green logistics and establish a network of microhubs for last-mile delivery using low-impact options such as electric cargo bikes.

SUFA represents over 100 logistics companies, and has launched the manifesto as a path to tackling the distribution of ever-increasing online sales in a sustainable way. Online purchases account for over a quarter of the UK’s retail, leading to increased pressure on road networks. In 2024, van traffic was recorded at 58.5 billion vehicle miles (94.1 billion km), representing an increase of almost 10% since 2019.

The manifesto details

SUFA wants to see local councils “get serious” regarding local freight rather than treating it as a niche issue, and have outlined three key commitments in the manifesto:

• Adopt a Freight Policy and Kerbside Plan
• Commit to a three-year sustainable urban freight budget
• Protect space for microhub networks

Under the Freight Policy and Kerbside Plan, councils would liaise with local delivery operators to ascertain what barriers there might be to the adoption or implementation of green delivery methods. A lead official for freight decarbonisation is called for in the manifesto.

The freight budget would involve mayoral and combined authorities co-funding regional programmes in which freight investment is aligned with decarbonisation goals, as well as high street renewal activities. Local authorities would be expected to match funding and prepare clear delivery plans.

SUFA also calls for an integrated network of microhubs to be embedded within local transport and freight strategies with a published pipeline of sites. These hubs enable the consolidation of goods for last-mile delivery using low-emission modes of transport like e-cargo bikes.

Kirsten Smith, Co-Chair of SUFA, said, “Every resident and business in the country relies on freight and logistics to go about their lives. This is only going to increase as more and more people switch to online deliveries or give up their own cars.” She continued: “Councils have huge powers over land use, budgets and policy that can make a big difference in terms of traffic, congestion and clean air. We want candidates to work in partnership with business to really understand the issues and challenges facing the industry as well as the opportunities.”

Microhub expansion

On the topic of microhubs, a new coalition was recently created in London, the Urban Microhub Alliance (UMA), which aims to repurpose underused spaces such as railway arches and car parks, into dedicated hubs for modular cargo trailers, and certified delivery bikes and electric mopeds for use by couriers. Each of the 22 London sites operational at the launch has around 100 Port e-bikes available for couriers to rent either through a daily pass or via weekly or monthly subscriptions.

Kamil Suda, CEO of Port which is one of the UMA founding members, spoke about the need for a network of microhubs. “There is no real incentive for the logistics industry to change its entire operating flow if only one microhub is available. To convince the industry that a sustainable parcel flow is viable, there needs to be a large-scale, plug-and-play solution for delivery companies to execute the last mile.”

Councillor Rowena Champion of Islington Council highlighted the benefits for riders in the gig economy. “We know that many delivery couriers are marginalised. Having a solution which gives riders access to bikes that are safe and maintained is so important. We want to encourage deliveries by bike and by cargo bike and we want to ensure that the riders themselves are safe.”