EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Urban distribution in Amsterdam

Urban distribution in Amsterdam

Introduction

The narrow canals and streets, which complicate the loading and unloading of goods, constitute a distinctive feature of urban distribution in the Amsterdam city centre.

Problem

What methods could be taken to improve urban logistics in central Amsterdam?

Description

The following measures have been taken:

The centre is closed to vehicles heavier than 7.5 tonnes. It is possible to transfer the load at city distribution centres.
Companies combine consignments to be delivered to the final destination. For the time being this only concerns the transport of packages and containers.
Exemption for dirty, fresh and unpleasant consignments, special transport, construction transport and removals or exemption for a minimum load factor of 80%.
Time windows are left unchanged.

Results

As a result of rules governing the load factor, haulers are using more smaller vehicles. As these can transport smaller quantities, they also leave the centre more quickly.
Nuisance caused to shoppers by moving lorry traffic has decreased.
In order to give the desired number of lorries access to the area, a number of measures need to be drastically tightened. Any future tightening of the measures should be carried out without losing sight of the objectives. The prevention of nuisance should always be weighed against the disadvantages the measures have for other parties.

Learning experiences

Permits are issued too easily and there are hardly any controls. Due to the absence of a strict enforcement policy with respect to the holding of permits, it is plausible that lorries without exemptions also deliver supplies. This may take place by way of deliveries to the centre that are combined with deliveries outside the central area. This was also found to be the true in practice.
Exemptions should be subject to continual assessment. In collaboration with the interest groups, on 15 April 2004 it was decided to sign a declaration of intent confirming new exemption criteria.

Contact info

Municipality of Amsterdam, city centre
http://www.binnenstad.amsterdam.nl/smartsite.dws?id=609
Ms S. Hansen

Project start date

01/06/1998

Links

Municipality of Amsterdam, city centre (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure > Roads and road transport

Keywords

Traffic management