UCCs can improve air quality in towns and cities, says TSC

Urban consolidation centres (UCCs) can help UK local authorities meet air quality obligations through the reduction of goods vehicle miles in urban areas, says the Transport Systems Catapult (TSC). These centres could also help improve congestion, the research and technology organisation adds. UCCs are logistics facilities where goods are dropped off and combined onto commercial vehicles for delivery to their final destination. TSC applied its economic assessment tool to estimate the cost and benefi
July 17, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Urban consolidation centres (UCCs) can help UK local authorities meet air quality obligations through the reduction of goods vehicle miles in urban areas, says the 7800 Transport Systems Catapult (TSC). These centres could also help improve congestion, the research and technology organisation adds.


UCCs are logistics facilities where goods are dropped off and combined onto commercial vehicles for delivery to their final destination.

TSC applied its economic assessment tool to estimate the cost and benefits of moving towards a logistics consolidation model at the University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust.

The case study showed deliveries could be reduced from 867 a week to 25 by using the UCC operated by Meachers Global Logistics.

Uptake of UCCs has been low in the UK due to the associated costs of establishing and running an extra step in the logistics supply chain.

Andrew Traill, the TSC’s principal technologist for freight and logistics, says more 'outside the box' thinking such as this need to be reconsidered by towns and cities facing increasing congestion and the need to reduce emissions.

“Ultimately, this model can lead to cleaner towns and cities and more efficient deliveries, whilst producing a much-needed relief to road systems which are struggling with traffic volumes,” Traill adds.

Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Technology advances improve enforcement
    July 26, 2012
    Across the board, technology is being brought to bear to improve the efficiency of enforcement. Bus lane monitoring, parking and controlled access have all benefited from systems introduced in recent months. While speed and red light infringements tend to attract the most attention, there remain several other areas of enforcement where automation can bring significant operational and efficiency benefits. Lane monitoring and access control also continue to benefit from technological development.
    Read More
  • Direct Line showcases The Smart Crossing in London
    October 10, 2017
    In response to 7,000 incidents taking place at pedestrian crossings each year in Britain, Direct Line has unveiled the new Smart Crossing in London which has been developed by urban design technologists Umbrellium. The Smart Crossing uses research from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), which identified many factors that impact the safety of pedestrians on road crossings. These include, the pedestrian’s position and route as they cross the road, the influence of other pedestrians dangerously crossi
    Read More
  • AI is 'critical component' of US transportation, says ITS America report
    December 20, 2023
    Joint publication with Cambridge Consultants offers 'bold, optimistic vision'
    Read More
  • change in the US transportation sector
    February 1, 2012
    Transportation for America's James Corless talks about the changes needed in the US's transportation policy. Anew report, 'Smart Mobility for a 21st Century America', highlights how improving efficiency through technology is critical as the US's population grows and ages, budgets tighten and consumer preferences shift.
    Read More

Highlighted Content