TfL offers innovation fund to cut freight emissions

Five business groups across London will share £170,000 of Transport for London (TfL) funding for innovative projects that cut freight emissions and improve air quality.

The schemes include a new freight hub to streamline deliveries in Hammersmith and a shared cargo bike scheme in Streatham, with all money offered by TfL’s Healthy Streets Fund for Business programme matched by the business groups themselves.

It’s hoped the schemes will help businesses adapt to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) by enabling them to switch to cleaner alternatives and reducing their use of vans, lorries and other vehicles.

A previous round of funding in September last year is helping six business groups across London achieve more efficient deliveries. One scheme created a waste consolidation centre in Better Bankside, which enabled participating businesses to reduce their nitrogen oxide emissions from waste collection by 97%.

The five schemes offered a share of the funding are:

• In Aldgate, investment will help the historic Petticoat Lane Market become greener and more efficient. Waste generated by the market will be taken to new compactor machines at a single collection point, reducing the number of waste freight movements and keeping the local area clean and tidy.
• In Bermondsey, a scheme will enable more cycling at the Blue Marketplace by providing cargo bikes, storage spaces and other facilities to allow people to cycle to work. This will also allow traders to move more goods by bike.
• In Hammersmith, a new freight hub will enable businesses to receive and sort more deliveries at a single location. This will reduce the number of freight vehicles needed to service the area, particularly at peak times.
• In the iconic Hatton Garden jewellery area, investment will reduce the number of freight vehicle movements by installing a waste consolidation centre and appointing a preferred supplier for collection.
• In Streatham, a shared cargo bike scheme will enable small and medium-sized independent businesses to replace cars and vans with cycle freight. The bike will be available to businesses in the area to use free of charge by using a booking app.

Photo credit – Pixabay