Abstract
Several indicators have been established to monitor and evaluate the sustainability of cities. Logistics and related transportation activities are underrepresented in these established frameworks despite the substantial negative impact of urban freight transport (UFT) on the environment, society and economy. The result is the lack of an understanding of freight flows’ impact on the liveability of cities. This paper fills this gap by introducing a comprehensive set of freight transport related indicators with an operational target in policy support and urban planning. It provides a discussion of its hierarchical design and 45 indicators. Using this indicator set, local authorities can assess and enhance UFT sustainability.
Acknowledgements
This paper is based on research conducted in the project “Urban Logistics and Mobility” (“Stedelijke Logistiek en Mobiliteit”), funded by the agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT). Furthermore, we would like to thank the colleagues within our research unit and Hasselt University for their very appreciated input and collaboration as well as Stijn Jacobs for the excellent work he did in his master thesis.
Notes
1. SUstainable Mobility, policy Measures and Assessment.
2. Strategies and measures for smarter urban freight solutions.
3. New Integrated Smart Transport Options.
4. Proposal for objectives and indicators in urban land use and transport planning for sustainability.
5. Best Urban Freight Solutions.
6. Sweden-Italy Freight Transport and Logistics Green Corridor.
7. European Economic Area.
8. World Business Council for Sustainable Development.