Innovative solutions to freight distribution in the complex large urban area of Rome
Around the world, concerns about the efficiency of the distribution practices and the impacts of freight vehicles on traffic congestion and environment are causing interest in urban and metropolitan goods transport to rise. An efficient freight distribution system is needed; it plays a significant role in the competitiveness of urban areas and is itself an important element in the urban economy, both for the income it generates and the employment levels it supports. The present project was developed in 2008 and 2009 to propose methods and models for the design of innovative solutions for urban freight distribution. Its specific objectives were to gain knowledge about implementation processes during introduction of new urban freight solutions, to develop freight transport models, and to define and validate solutions to freight transport in the complex urban area of Rome.