Trial to test virtual loading bays in London

Cross River Partnership (CRP) is trialling Virtual Loading Bays (VLBs) across London and is looking for logistics operators to get involved.

Virtual loading bays are dedicated spaces that can be pre-booked to deliver goods by participating operators with the Grid Kerb Delivery booking application.

Two virtual loading bays are already live in the London Borough of Richmond. Located in Sheen Lane, Mortlake and The Quadrant in Richmond, the bays are available to book, free of charge, until the end of 2024.   

The Virtual Loading Bays form part of CRP’s Defra-funded Kerbside Management Trial and are being delivered in partnership between London Borough of Richmond, Grid Smarter Cities and Cross River Partnership. The trial uses Grid’s Virtual Loading Bay technology to dynamically manage the kerbside and aims to improve congestion and air quality in the local area.  

Laura Jacklin, Commercial Development Manager from Grid Smarter Cities said: “Delivering to different spaces comes with challenges especially in strategic corridors. These two bays are in different locations but will face similar challenges for delivery drivers, we are excited to see how managing and booking space will help deliveries at the kerbside.”  

Carl Gellard, Senior Engineer Traffic & Parking Policy Richmond and Wandsworth Council: “The Virtual Loading Bay (VLB) initiative will enable the council to monitor loading/unloading activity at two key sites in the borough which experience increased volumes of traffic and poor air quality. We look forward to realising the benefits of managing kerbside space through the platform.”