Grid Smarter Cities is pleased to welcome the report on the Cross River Partnership, DEFRA-funded, Smarter Greener Logistics trial showcasing Grid’s Virtual Loading Bay (VLB) technology.
A VLB is a digital dispensation which allows drivers to load and unload in close proximity to their delivery point at locations where loading is normally prohibited, without the risk of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
The locations of VLBs, and time periods during which access is permitted, are pre-agreed with the local authority – working in partnership with operators to improve safety and reduce adverse impacts on network and traffic flows. VLBs can also be implemented without the need for additional physical infrastructure, offering kerbside flexibility in highly congested areas.
The new report sheds light on the operational efficiencies of VLBs when deployed in key locations to solve specific delivery pain points via Grid’s Kerb® Delivery platform. This has delivered a reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled, air quality benefits, as well as a more efficient and streamlined delivery process for users.
The trial, conducted between July 2023 to March 2025, involved a robust collaboration between Grid and Cross River Partnership, with the first VLBs going live in March 2024 along The Cut in Lambeth, expanding over the year to a further three locations, including the London Boroughs of Richmond, City of London and Camden.
After the conclusion of the trial, both the Lambeth and Richmond bays are still operational and available to book.
“This in-depth study confirmed what we at Grid Smarter Cities have always believed – that Virtual Loading Bays are a powerful tool in kerbside management in busy areas, particularly suited to deliveries that require close proximity to the recipient’s venue to be able to carry out the delivery safely, such as brewery logistics and frozen and chilled goods.
The independent analysis proves the benefits of the scheme include less congestion and cleaner air, because they remove the need for vehicles to have to circle the area waiting to find a space. Seeing the results from individual neighbourhoods proves that this is a solution that would work both in major cities like London and also smaller places with congestion challenges.” – Neil Herron, CEO & Founder of Grid Smarter Cities
How to Start Using the Bays
The Lambeth and Richmond bays are still are and bookable by delivery operators in the area who register in advance. There are no charges to use the bays and bookings can be made throughout 24 hours of the day. To sign up and start using the bays please register using this link or email us at info@gridsmartercities.com
About Grid Smarter Cities:
We specialise in building sustainable digital products that enable the smarter management of kerbside and freight logistics. Our knowledge of the ecosystem at the kerbside enables us to work with clients such as local authorities and operators to solve their challenges and with a tech solution at the kerbside.
