Southampton based Logistics company Solent Transport has announced the launch of its Portsmouth Micro Hub to help reduce the number of delivery vans causing congestion on Portsmouth’s streets.
The hub officially opened on 21 May and combines its share of deliveries for the city at a single location before redistributing parcels and packages by cargo cycles to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Financed by the Solent Future Transport Zone programme and in partnership with Portsmouth City Council as the site owner, Delivery Mates as the operator and Decarbon Logistics Solutions a Volofleet Portfolio Company as the site manager; the micro logistics hub is expected to provide an opportunity to uncover the benefits and any potential challenges of consolidating deliveries.
The site will operate for an initial trial period of 12 months, with its activity regularly evaluated by the partners.
Solent Transport explained everyone involved is keen to understand whether micro-hubs provide an alternative delivery option that delivers value for money, contributes to Portsmouth’s clean air objectives and offers sufficient activity to be commercially sustainable.
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."
Decarbon Logistics Solutions a Volofleet Prortfolio Company’s CEO, Paul McCormack said, "We’ve valued collaborating with Solent Transport to develop this micro-consolidation hub. By applying our expertise in site qualification, design, installation, and safety, we created an optimal operational space while working with the landlord and managing its development. This project is important in advancing emission-free deliveries by turning analysis into practical solutions through strategic hubs, utilising council assets effectively. We look forward to working with Delivery Mates on its ongoing success"