ULaaDS recommendations for integrated SUMPs & SULPs implementation

Published in November 2023, the ULaaDS project’s Deliverable 6.2, titled ‘Guidelines, Methods & Policy Recommendations for Integrating ULaaDS into SUMP and SULP Processes,’ represents a thorough endeavour to seamlessly integrate eco-friendly logistics planning into SUMPs and SULPs. This guideline aligns with the global movement towards advancing SUMPs and SULPs in cities and regions, emphasising enhancements in public transport, the promotion of sustainable mobility modes, and the optimisation of urban freight to enhance urban living and achieve sustainability objectives.

The planning of SULPs follows four phases:

1. In the first phase, the Inception phase, policymakers deliberately make a choice to develop a SULP within a defined urban region. The foundation of this phase includes an in-depth analysis of the current mobility situation, assessing financial and institutional capabilities, and identifying mobility issues. This involves establishing a functional management structure and initiating a capacity-building initiative.
2. Transitioning to the Vision and Strategy Development phase, the guidelines emphasise shaping the future urban mobility landscape based on analysis findings. This includes crafting a clear vision and strategy in collaboration with stakeholders. Various scenarios are evaluated, aligning with the SULP vision, and the selected scenario is refined for short and long-term implementation.
3. Moving on to the Operational Planning phase, the guidelines highlight the translation of the chosen scenario into actionable measures with detailed monitoring mechanisms. Financial aspects are crucial, involving the devising of a financial mechanism, identifying funding sources, and defining financial flows for the entire SULP. This phase prepares the SULP for submission to the relevant political body for approval.
4. In the final Implementation and Monitoring stage, the focus is on executing the approved SULP measures and establishing a system of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and communication. The plan is handed over to sectoral planning departments for implementation according to local and national regulations. The guidelines emphasise the importance of a monitoring system for successful execution and adaptive management of the SULP.

Within the D6.2 guidelines, we adopted an analytical approach to explore strategic methodologies within SUMPs and SULPs, recognising them as essential tools for green urban logistics planning. Our focus extended to governance structures, regulatory support for integrating SUMPs and SULPs, and strategic engagement with diverse logistics stakeholders, laying the foundation to translate early-phase analyses into actionable urban logistics strategies.

These strategies, based on international experiences and insights from the ULaaDS trials, have identified key facilitators and barriers. Thus, they established the groundwork for the development of policy guidelines aimed at improving urban logistics through SULPs.

The joint efforts of Rupprecht Consult with Bax & Company and the Bremen team, coupled with enriching dialogues with Mechelen and Groningen representatives, played a pivotal role in developing the recommendations and guidelines. This deliverable underscores the project’s dedication to fostering sustainable urban environments through strategic collaboration and innovative policy formulation.

Setting the scene for urban logistics implementation through SULPs

Within this section, we will delve into the summary of guideline recommendations to further explore actionable steps that will advance the integration of ULaaDS into SUMPs and SULPs.

Fostering flexibility and resilience in dynamic urban logistics

Flexibility and resilience in urban logistics are crucial, given the ever-evolving nature of the field and its deep connection with technological advances. It emphasises the ability to adapt swiftly to challenges and evolving demands.  Furthermore, embracing SULPs as vital and evolving strategies is essential for adaptability to the changing landscape. SULPs should serve as living documents, empowering cities to navigate changes effectively and ensuring the agility of the logistics system. For instance, learning from the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for resilience in urban logistics. In this manner, considering SULPs as framework documents that facilitate rapid adjustments to crises and community demands, is fundamental to ensuring adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Inclusive stakeholder engagement

Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for sustainable urban logistics planning, a sentiment underscored by the predominant response from the ULaaDS partners, as shown in the figure below. The use of strategies like local stakeholder forums, collaborative target-setting mechanisms, and online surveys, fosters collective decision-making and information sharing. This inclusive engagement serves several crucial purposes: fine-tuning logistics projects based on on-ground feedback, ensuring sustainability, and building trust among stakeholders. Collaboration with businesses further tailors SULPs to meet economically diverse logistical needs, enhancing overall effectiveness and viability.

Encouraging technological innovation and data-driven approaches

Encouraging innovation, technological and data-driven approaches in urban logistics involves embracing ongoing advances, such as small electric vehicles, automated vehicles, and exploring the feasibility of air mobility through drones. SULPs should promote agile and prepared urban logistics operations, evolving with technological changes. According to a survey shared among the ULaaDS partners at the project’s final event, respondents were asked to identify the innovations expected to have the greatest impact on urban logistics in the next decade. The main responses included AI, automation, robots, data, and logistics hubs, highlighting the strategic importance of these advances in shaping the future of urban logistics.

Optimised space allocation and regulation

The interplay between space allocation and regulations is pivotal for ensuring efficient and unintrusive urban logistics operations. Establishing a fair regulatory framework that cultivates trust and collaboration within the industry is a fundamental aspect of this process. Effective management of urban logistics operations with a sensible use of urban areas such as logistics hubs, storage facilities, and designated loading zones requires the essential enforcement of regulations. This includes thorough monitoring and timely evaluations to ensure optimal management. This approach aims to reduce congestion, optimise urban space, and streamline logistical processes. Careful monitoring and substantial fines restrict unauthorised zone use, promoting compliance and safeguarding the integrity of the logistics network, as well as the overall liveability of urban areas.

Ensuring fair competition in logistics 

Given the competitive and profitable aspect in logistics business and operations, it is essential to establish a . the concentration of privileges in the hands of a single operator, as unchecked dominance can stifle innovation and impede new entrants into the market. The strategy involves creating a level playing field where both SMEs and established industry players can compete on equal terms. Effective regulation coupled with thorough monitoring and timely evaluations, are deemed crucial in maintaining a fair and competitive marketplace that benefits both industry players and consumers. Striking a delicate balance between preventing anti-competitive practices and fostering innovation is essential for the sustainable growth and development of the logistics industry.

Learning processes: trial-first approach

The “trial-first” approach has proven successful throughout the ULaaDS project, drawing on lessons from both successful and challenging trials. This methodology encourages cities to embrace experimentation with innovative logistics concepts, prioritising practical trials as a foundation before long-term fixed projects launching. Through real-world trials, cities acquire invaluable insights into the effectiveness, challenges, and potential benefits of diverse logistics models. The data gleaned from these trials becomes a cornerstone in shaping SULPs, ensuring that policies are not abstract constructs but finely adjusted to the unique needs and dynamics of each urban environment.

To further delve into the comprehensive guidelines and recommendations crafted by Rupprecht Consult to seamlessly integrate eco-friendly logistics planning into SUMPs and SULPs, we invite you to explore ‘Deliverable 6.2: Guidelines, methods & policy recommendations to integrate ULaaDS in SUMP and SULP processes’.

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