Software solutions business Grid Smarter Cities has marked one year of delivering more efficient freight loading and unloading in London.
The company’s Kerb solution was introduced in February 2024, on Walworth Road in the London Borough of Southwark, enabling freight drivers to book kerbside loading slots on a high street in advance.
Delivery drivers book a slot using its Kerb app, and when they arrive, the space is waiting, which reduces loitering in the carriageway or circling the roads.
Grid Smarter Cities has also developed a two-sided e-ink digital sign to go on the kerbside which integrates with the platform to display the booked vehicle’s details – its registration number and time slot.
Southwark has embraced the idea as part of its Streets to People strategy – a commitment to improve residents’ quality of life and take action on climate change, by changing how people travel and use streets in the borough.
By better managing the kerbside and reducing congestion caused by freight deliveries, transport operators can assist in delivering these aims, reducing congestion and improving safety through operators having dedicated areas and timeslots where and when they need them, it said.
Mark Palmer, Parking Quality and Policy Manager at Southwark Council, said:
“We’ve had some great successes in the year. HGV drivers need to access a specific bay at particular times of the day. Previously, if the bay was in use, drivers had to stack their trucks further away, preventing them from fulfilling deliveries.
“Now, they can pre-book bays up to a year in advance, ensuring they have a designated parking spot whenever they need”.
Director of UK Sales Laura Jacklin at Grid Smarter Cities said:
“When we first launched the bookable kerb with Southwark a year ago, we wanted to bring a system which could confidently manage the loading bays for business in this area and alleviate non-compliance in the bays.
“Throughout the year, we have created great relationships with the businesses, operators and enforcement team, and we have seen in the data a continuous increase in utilisation and of people joining the scheme. This has created a harmonious environment and ensures businesses thrive in such a busy high street.”
The news comes as Transport + Energy launches its Fleet Electrification Forum this year. Find out more information here.
Image courtesy of Grid Smarter Cities
