Portsmouth’s first ever Micro Logistics Hub has opened, which consolidates its deliveries at a single location before redistributing parcels and packages by cargo cycles to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
The hub located in Hilsea Industrial Estate will help discover if these types of facilities can help to reduce the number of delivery vans on Portsmouth’s streets.
Financed by the Solent Future Transport Zone programme and in partnership with the Council, Delivery Mates and Decarbon Logistics Solutions, the hub will operate for an initial trial period of 12 months, with its activity regularly evaluated by the partners.
Delivery Mates will be operating the micro logistics hub by receiving and sorting up to 1,000 parcels a day from national couriers and local businesses. The parcels will initially be delivered to the hub by vans and lorries, where they will then be transferred onto electric cargo cycles and taken to their final destination.
Additionally, as part of the Solent Future Transport Zone programme, the monitoring and evaluation of the micro-hub trial, which is being led by the University of Portsmouth, is being shared with the Department for Transport to inform and develop their understanding of the pivotal role that logistics plays in transport planning for urban areas.
Councillor Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport said:
“I’m excited by the launch of this innovative micro-logistics hub in Portsmouth. I’m sure it will have a positive impact, especially in our congested city centre areas. By using cargo cycles for last-mile deliveries, we’re not only supporting local businesses but also making our urban transport cleaner and greener, reducing traffic congestion and making our air cleaner to breathe where we need it the most. “
Delivery Mates’ CEO, Kevin Savage said,
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Solent Transport on launching the first micro logistics hub in the Solent region. With our proven expertise in operating similar initiatives and our strong commitment to Sustainable Urban Logistics, we are excited and confident in delivering real benefits to Portsmouth’s residents, businesses, and environment—both during the trial period and into the future.”