In November 2009, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) established a consortium, in partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Noise Abatement Society (NAS), in order to investigate and demonstrate the potential benefits from the relaxation of delivery curfews for quiet deliveries.
The consortium has overseen the Quiet Deliveries Demonstration Scheme (QDDS), which has involved the setting up, running and reporting on quiet delivery demonstration trials at selected retail premises across England.
The trials have demonstrated that operational savings, albeit marginal in most cases in terms of fuel consumption, journey times and driver/vehicle utilisation, can be achieved, along with corresponding minor reductions in vehicle emissions.
In terms of retailing, the impact of even minimal changes to delivery timings can have a significant effect on store activity, enabling shelves to be replenished with fresh stock, in advance of the store opening.
QDDS has also shown that complaints from residents (which did occur during the trials) can be effectively managed and resolved, enabling continuation of revised delivery profiles beyond a trial’s duration.
Link
Quiet deliveries demonstration scheme
