Lightening the Load
“Smaller-than-van” light freight vehicles, such as cargo bikes and other small, motorised and non-motorised alternatives, are increasingly being used as part of last-mile logistics operations. These light freight vehicles can contribute to more liveable cities, given their smaller footprints and potential environmental and efficiency benefits: freeing up street space, reducing noise and congestion while improving safety for all public space users.
Authorities play an essential role in establishing the viability of these alternatives and ensuring their safe integration into urban environments through transport policies, adapted infrastructure and appropriate land use regulation. This report identifies impactful policies for effective urban freight planning centred on light cargo vehicles. It explores speed management and vehicle access regulations, cycle network expansions and developing urban freight micro-hub facilities.
Join our expert "Ask the Author" webinar with your questions on Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Policy Insights
- Integrate freight logistics within broader urban planning strategies and mobility plans.
- Promote vehicle taxonomies that support desired policy outcomes.
- Align domestic standards and light cargo vehicle classifications to best-in-class frameworks.
- Encourage more sustainable outcomes through vehicle size and weight-based incentives.
- Promote an urban logistics sector that provides fair, green jobs for the future of logistics.
- Facilitate the development of fixed and mobile micro-hubs to support small cargo vehicles.