The tool uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map a range of data on topics such as transportation networks, access restrictions, traffic measures, delivery and transport facilities, population, land use and emissions.
In its current form the tool collects data relevant to three European capitals, Brussels (Belgium), London (United Kingdom) and Luxembourg City.
The tool was developed in the framework of the EU-funded LaMiLo project(link is external). Ian Short, from the UK-based Institute of Sustainability and LaMiLo project co-ordinator, says, ‘The rise in online shopping trends has driven a dramatic increase in freight deliveries. This inevitably impacts on traffic congestion, CO2 emissions and noise and air pollution levels.
‘Finding solutions to manage the last mile of deliveries that work for businesses, consumers and the environment requires an integrated understanding of transport, environmental and socio-economic aspects to arrive at sustainable solutions.’
Among the benefits that the platform offers to users is the ability to model different scenarios and quantify potential savings in terms of air pollution and road miles; finding optimum routes for deliveries; and exploring options for locating logistics infrastructure such as urban consolidation centres.
The tool is free to use and requires registration by email.
