Project purpose and Description
Freight transport is responsible for 15% of traffic, 25% of urban transport CO2, and 40% of NOx emissions in main European urban areas. The World Economic Forum projects that, if no interventions, the number of delivery vehicles will increase by 36% by 2030, adding to greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, mostly induced by second-lane parking. FlexCURB will implement and validate a digital solution for the dynamic management of curb space, specifically looking into how parking management, urban vehicle access regulations, and freight management can be integrated. This will be done via 1) a city platform for the digitalization of logistics parking rules, and 2) a mobile app to locate parking zones and access regulations for cargo personnel. This will provide cities with means to enhance urban planning, and improve street safety and land use, while delivery companies can optimize their operations.
Objectives and outcomes
FlexCURB will achieve an impact on 4 strategic objectives.
– Create liveable urban spaces: Effective and flexible curbside management – now considered a strategic share of urban space – can provide support for individual decisions towards a more sustainable and responsible modal choice – and thus to quality of citizen life, with better served local economies.
– Deploy green, safe, inclusive mobility solutions for people and goods: Dynamic curbside management will allow taking sustainable decisions when considering the needs of all stakeholders/city users that are active in the same public space. Retailers, couriers, city authorities, public transport operators, and private individuals all have a stake in a more reliable and inclusive ecosystem.
– Accelerate market opportunities: it is expected that the commercialization of a new product pack, with high revenue potential for EIT Urban Mobility, will be a result of the project. Strong industry-related partners also support the project with the co-funding, in view of the market opportunity. FlexCURB will enable as well additional market opportunities for cities, unlocking the potential of moving from parking-centred business models to dynamic pricing models.
– Promote effective policies and behavioural change: FlexCURB directly impacts cities, businesses, end-users, and communities. By engaging citizens and facilitating an innovative approach to regulation and curb usage, we drive behavioural changes that will shape better cities and create a favourable framework for all.
To cities and citizens, this solution directly contributes to the achievement of sustainability goals, reducing pollution and congestion, promoting better allocation of public space, and leading to safer streets. Logistics service providers reduce their costs by ensuring reliable access to parking, and better aligning their operations to the city objectives.
