FREIGHT DISTRIBUTION AS A STARTING POINT FOR THE INTEGRATION OF ROAD GOODS TRAFFIC INTO INNER-CITY TRAFFIC

In urban conurbations private and public transport are considerably hindered by goods traffic. But the freight business also considers the traffic conditions caused by lorries during goods delivery in towns and cities to be unsatisfactory. A possible solution for a trouble free integration of commercial traffic into the inner city traffic system is offered by the establishment of freight distribution centres. These offer links between different transport routes and transport means for a concentration area, the collection and distribution of freight, freight transfer, temporary storage and further services. In this way an improved usage of road space and transport capacity are guaranteed. Cost-benefit-analyses confirm the economic advantages of freight distribution centres. Further difficulties are brought about by the lack of readiness to co-operate shown by the goods transport contractors and the existing legal restrictions on co-operation. (TRRL)