3.9 Summary

The review has shown that there are potentially existing powers that could provide for the restriction of delivery vehicles entering a city centre and the construction of a CUCC, e.g., through the implementation of a clean air zone and the compulsion to use such CUCC, through a direction of the relevant Secretary of State. However, to use such powers in this way would be novel, unusual, and far from clear cut. There are also several avenues of potential legal challenge to the proposals, some of which would either require legislative change, or exemptions from the requirement to use a CUCC. To have an unambiguous right, it is likely that both new legislation and the repeal of existing legislation would be required.

4. Stakeholder Consultations

4.1 Introduction

This section of the report outlines the findings of the consultation exercise associated with research relating to the feasibility of Compulsory Urban Consolidation Centres (CUCC) for the Department of Transport. This research ensures that the views of those likely to be affected by CUCCs inform the findings of the project.

4.2 Approach

Between June and July 2022, engagements with stakeholders were undertaken. These represented face-to-face appointments as well as an opportunity to complete and return a survey.

The following questions were asked of those who engaged face-to-face and/or completed a survey:

What Compulsory Urban Consolidation Centres are you aware of?

What are (non-compulsory) Consolidation Centre success/failure factors?

  • What are your views on the potential/actual benefits/disbenefits of Compulsory Urban Consolidation Centres?
  • What barriers are there to the creation of CUCCs?
  • What would need to be in place to ensure the success of CUCCs?
  • Are there any sectors/markets a CUCC should or should not serve?
  • What models of operation would be most effective (public/private/3rd party)?
  • How do you think a CUCC could impact operations/business/competition in the sectors/organisations you are most familiar with?
  • These discussion points were produced to develop an understanding of how CUCCs work now, how they could work and what the impact of regulation in this area would be.
  • To do this we spoke to a variety of stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as associations who represent the freight sector. These included:
  • Royal Mail
  • UPS
  • DHL
  • Logistics UK
  • Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
  • Bristol City Council
  • Hampshire Council
  • Association of International Courier and Express Services (AICES)
  • Parcelforce
  • Road Haulage Association (RHA)

Department for Transport | | 18 August 2022 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited

Compulsory Urban Consolidation Centers Arup-AECOM SPaTS Framework

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