Construction Logistics Planning aims to minimise the impact of construction so it’s vital that there is a commitment to a range of specific techniques, known as Planned Measures – agreed to throughout the planning permission process. These techniques are used to influence behaviours that reduce environmental impact, road risk and congestion.

They are agreed as part of an Outline Construction Logistics Plan (CLP). They are also revisited when a Detailed CLP is defined before construction activity begins. See our Planned Measures page for more details.

Because London needs to see a reduction in the impact of construction traffic, they look at how to make best use of those vehicles that remain on the roads and ensure that they are as safe and green as possible and are driven only by drivers with the relevant knowledge and training.

• See our Planned Measures page for more info and guidance. 
• See TfL's Construction Freight Benefits report for further insights.

In addition to Planned Measures as defined in the CLP Guidance document, below are some additional tools London uses that can help other cities develop their own complementary system.

1. MODE SHIFT

Using rail or river freight as an alternative to roads is a cost-effective and efficient way of transporting a range of goods and commodities. Tools available: 

• Freight Infrastructure in London toolkit provides guidance and maps 
• Delivering Goods by Water - use this TfL tool to explore the various options for using waterborne transport in London.
• Network Rail also provides advice on all aspects of moving freight by rail.
• Investigating the barriers to transporting bulk construction materials and waste by river and rail

2. LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY

The number of deliveries to construction sites can be reduced and controlled by the use of consolidation centres. Tools available:

• Directory of London ConstructionConsolidation Centres - info on using consolidation centre
• Freight Infrastructure in London toolkit provides guidance and maps

This report - Investigating the Impacts Caused by Construction Delivery Inefficiencies - also offers insights. 

DELIVERY SCHEDULING

More than 90% of freight in London is transported by road, and this is particularly evident in the morning peak (07:00-11:00) where freight vehicles account for 25% of traffic.

Scheduling and retiming deliveries to consciously avoid the most congested times of the day will help reduce congestion.

Employing a Delivery Management System (DMS is vital to the coordination of a site’s booking and delivery process.

OUT OF HOURS

Deliveries and collections that are made outside peak traffic times are more likely to arrive on time, which will in turn reduce potential on-site delays. They also reduce congestion in the vicinity of the site.

• Getting the timing right - info on how to schedule deliveries at quieter times

LORRY HOLDING AREAS

These areas need to be approved by the relevant authority. See Delivery Management and truck Holding Areas for more info.

ADHERENCE TO DESIGNATED ROUTES

• London Lorry Control - to find out more about designating routes and helping ensure adherence to them.

Strategic access routes – designated routes are a key part of a CLP and must be adhered to by all vehicles that access a construction site. All vehicles that travel to and from construction sites (other than local suppliers) should be restricted to using either the Strategic Road Network or Transport for London’s Road Network. All contractors and drivers are to be made aware of these routes as part of any CLP.

3. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

A critical aspect of CLPs is to improve safety and air quality for the capital. To this end as part of a CLP it’s essential that there is a defined commitment to follow established programmes, like CLOCS, FORS and specifically for London:

HGV DIRECT VISION STANDARD (DVS)

TfL’s Direct Vision Standard was developed in direct response and categorises vehicles using a star rating based on how much a driver can see from their cab directly through windows. The higher the star rating, the more a driver can see.

HGV blind spots have been shown to contribute to a large proportion of collisions with vulnerable road users. Recent research has shown that increased levels of direct vision – what a driver can see directly through the windows of the cab – can improve reaction times and reduce cognitive demand on the driver.

Three stars equate to a ‘good’ rating, where zero stars will be given to any HGV considered ‘not suitable for use in an urban environment’.

A CLP will require that no zero-rated vehicles are used to support a development and that operators are encouraged to use the highest star rated vehicles practicable.

LOCITY

LoCITY is an industry-led programme that looks to increase the supply and uptake of low emission commercial vehicles. The aims of LoCITY are to:

• Prepare the freight industry for the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
• Support public and private fleets with upgrades to cleaner vehicles and alternative fuels
• Improve London’s air quality and deliver health benefits to Londoners
• Help meet London’s targets on reducing carbon dioxide emissions