In January, GRETA Permanent Working Group with External Projects workshops started. The main aim of the group is to continuously activate, maintain and exchange synergies with other similar projects and build on available knowledge on urban logistics. The first workshop took place online on January 24th. During the session, which focused on microhubs and consolidation centres, project partners showcased the solutions tested during pilot activities in Maribor, Poznań and Reggio Emilia. These cities, which share several common challenges, collaborated with local stakeholders to test microhubs facilitating the transfer of goods from conventional vehicles to light electric delivery vehicles for last-mile delivery.
Participants also presented successful case studies from other European cities. In Helsinki, the DISCO project tested a multifunctional microhub, where an underground shopping centre loading zone has been repurposed for cargo bike and delivery robot operations. In Lyon, the MED Colours project is developing a business plan for a new urban consolidation centre. An additional solution was presented in the framework of the URBANE project (HORIZON) Europe that tested three automated and multi-operator microhubs in Bologna offering a green solution for last mile delivery.
A second GRETA workshop took place on January 28th focusing on curbside management. Partners from Verona and Budapest showcased their strategies to optimize public space, parking, and loading zones in the city centre. Based on the results from a thorough needs analysis and stakeholder interviews, Verona is developing a booking system for loading/unloading zones to accommodate all actors involved, as well as residents, while Budapest aims to enhance pedestrian areas and other multi-functional services for delivery vehicles and residents.
During the workshop, the way in which other cities have addressed similar issues was also examined. In the centre of Copenhagen, the Tivoli amusement park, through DISCO project funding, has implemented a digital smart zone with real-time booking for loading spaces, while Strasbourg’s FlexCurb initiative used data about curb supply and demand to effectively regulate access to parking and loading areas.
Both workshops included interactive Q&A sessions, where participants exchanged insights, discussed possible challenges, and explored stakeholder engagement strategies. A key takeaway was that, while urban logistics challenges are often similar, solutions must take into account each city’s specific needs and constraints. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of early-stage data collection and strategic planning for the successful implementation of new solutions.
GRETA’s workshops are part of an ongoing series on urban logistics. Sessions on different key topics will be held every three months, with the next one scheduled for March.