The City of London Corporation, DHL Supply Chain and Ford Pro are in the midst of conducting a sustainable delivery trial at London’s historic Billingsgate Market which is set to explore ways to reduce traffic, improve air quality and offer a better customer experience.

Launched in March and continuing until August, 40 traders at Billingsgate are taking part in the trial, which focusses on deliveries from the market to commercial customers in the capital, including some of London’s most prestigious establishments.

Many traders rely on vans to make these deliveries, but for much of the day these vans are not in use. The City Corporation identified the opportunity to consolidate some of those trips, which avoids duplicating journeys and requires fewer vans.

Funded by the City Corporation, which owns and manages Billingsgate Market, the trial is being run using DHL Supply Chain and Ford Pro vehicles, software and servicing support. 

Tutu Akinkoye, GoGreen Lead, DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted with the results of the trial, which support our approach to not only ‘burn clean’ through the use of sustainable alternative fuels and drivetrains, but ‘burn less’ by reducing the energy and fuel consumption of our operations."