Key Takeaways
- Grid Smarter Cities received the inaugural Future of Parking Award at the British Parking Awards for its Kerb Delivery platform.
- The platform streamlines curbside loading processes, helping to reduce congestion and improve urban safety.
- Kerb Delivery is operational in several London boroughs, utilizing both physical and Virtual Loading Bays to facilitate efficient freight operations.
Award Recognition for Innovative Curbside Management
Curbside management company Grid Smarter Cities has been honored with the inaugural Future of Parking Award during the British Parking Awards in London. This recognition is for their Kerb Delivery platform, which allows freight drivers to schedule curbside loading slots in advance. This innovation aims to significantly minimize idling, curb road congestion, and enhance safety in bustling urban environments.
Judging panels lauded the platform as a progressive solution within the intricate logistics of contemporary cities. Toby Hiles, the sales and partnerships director at Grid Smarter Cities, emphasized the challenges of traditional curbside parking, describing it as “the wild west” due to a first-come-first-served system that fosters inefficiencies and pollution. He noted that their solution, first rolled out in collaboration with the innovative London Borough of Southwark, empowers local authorities and logistics companies alike. This dual control ensures smoother management of road space for authorities and more reliable delivery scheduling for logistics providers. Hiles expressed gratitude for the recognition from judges, noting the platform’s significant impact amid strong competition.
The Kerb Delivery platform is being implemented across various London boroughs, including integration into both physical bays and Virtual Loading Bays (VLBs). The VLBs, which are entirely digital and do not require physical signage, provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative for loading. They can be made available during specific times in locations where loading is typically restricted, allowing deliveries without the risk of fines.
Moreover, Grid has introduced a two-sided e-ink digital curbside sign that works in conjunction with the platform to display booking details, such as vehicle registration and time slots. This addition further enhances the operational efficiency and enforcement capabilities of the curbside management system.
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