The ever-increasing number of parcel deliveries is putting the health and safety of Londoners at risk, with more than half (51%) wanting to see the number of delivery vehicles on the city’s streets reduced.
According to new research from parcel consolidation and delivery B Corp MyPup, 87 per cent of those living in London – the equivalent of six million people* – have experienced issues with delivery vans and their drivers, ranging from inappropriate behaviour to dangerous driving.
In a sector where many workers are paid per parcel delivered, drivers are under pressure, which results in inconsiderate or dangerous driving practices. Two in five (39%) Londoners have seen vacant delivery vans parked illegally, and 34 per cent have witnessed them blocking pavements and fire exits.
While the volume of parcel deliveries alone is enough to increase traffic on London’s roads, these parking practices are only adding to consumers’ exasperation. Half (50%) of the Londoners surveyed are frustrated that they are spending increasing time in traffic, and with 27 per cent reporting that couriers are often driving dangerously, it is also putting their safety at risk.
It is not just short-term safety that is behind London residents’ call to reduce the number of delivery vans on the roads. Rising congestion is also creating concerns about pollution in the city. In 2019, the Greater London Authority estimated that between 3,600 and 4,000 deaths every year were caused by human-made emissions, and two-thirds (66%) of London residents are now concerned about air pollution in London affecting their health.
Despite these concerns, only 44 per cent of London consumers are trying to reduce the volume of parcels they receive because they are worried about the environment, with a similar proportion (46%) believing that changing their online shopping behaviour would not make a difference. Therefore, it is clear that sustainable change needs to come from the government or industry.
Commenting on the research, Esme Fowler-Mason, UK & Ireland Market Consultant at MyPup, said: “Londoners are understandably concerned about the increasing number of vans on their streets, but with few planning to alter their behaviour, it is clear another solution is needed. As retailers move their services increasingly online, it is unlikely that the volume of parcels will
reduce, so it is important that we consider how we can make last-mile delivery less intrusive and more sustainable.
“Micro-consolidation is one option, which would see parcels from all couriers collated at a centralised location and then delivered by just one company – reducing the number of vans on the road and providing a safer service for Londoners. But, it requires buy-in from landlords, developers, property managers and local government to be effective in achieving goals for vehicle reduction and cleaner streets.”
MyPup – My Pick Up Point – is a parcel consolidation and delivery service, helping to reduce pollution in our cities, reduce parcel theft and provide a more sustainable delivery option for apartment buildings and offices across London.
By collecting parcels from all couriers at a micro-consolidation hub in London and sorting them by building, only one electric vehicle delivery is needed for all residents – made by the same courier each day – and packages are kept safe in smart lockers until residents are available to collect them, at a time that is convenient for them.