Trials show quiet night-time deliveries work

2nd July 2011

A Government-backed trial has shown how shop owners and supermarkets can receive deliveries out-of-hours without being a nuisance to residents.

Developed by the Freight Transport Association, Noise Abatement Society and Department for Transport, and managed by Transport & Travel Research, the Quiet Delivery Demonstration Scheme saw six trials take place at retail outlets across the country.

Stores in Dorset, West Sussex, Staffordshire, Walsall, London and Berkshire looked to illustrate the potential benefits from curfew relaxations for quiet deliveries, while protecting local residents' right to a good night's sleep.

Retailers were asked to adopt a consistent methodology, which included engaging with local authorities and residents, installing noise-monitoring equipment, introducing a 'driver charter' and a rigorous site assessment to reduce noise.

Encouragingly, as well as evidence of improved fuel consumption, no residential complaints were logged in two of the trials and where nominal complaints were raised in the others, swift remedial action was found to be satisfactory.

“These case studies are invaluable in the future development of a framework through which quiet night-time deliveries can be rolled out on a case-by-case basis,” Natalie Chapman, the FTA's Head of Policy for London, said.  “Retailers don't want to disturb residents, and by providing real solutions we have come up with more than just a compromise – we have shown that journey times, fuel economy and air quality, as well as stock turnaround, can be improved without affecting local residents.”

To view or download the full results, visit www.dft.gov.uk/publications/quiet-deliveries-demonstration-scheme/