Barcelona City Council bets on pick-up-points for e-commerce

The Barcelona City Council wants that at least 40% of online purchases to be delivered to pick-up points across the city. 

The City Council developed this objective alongside other specific requirements as a public bid to be achieved by any delivery company by the end of 2023. However, how this agreement will be enacted is still unclear. 

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The project has involved the authorities and 62 entities, which have established 10 goals based on a series of principles, including reducing the negative externalities of DUM (Urban Distribution of Goods), meaning reducing the impact of the urban distribution of goods. 

No more ‘to your door’ deliveries 

One of the primary goals they want to achieve is for 40% of online purchases to be delivered to collection points rather than to the consumer's door. 

The Barcelona City Council believes that the increase in online shopping has become a significant problem for the DUM and that reaching this goal could provide a solution.

This goal will bring about a network of convenience stores and locations for deliveries and pick-ups, and people will be able to pick up their parcels within 200 m of their homes. Lockers and sustainable last-mile delivery companies are increasing in Barcelona.

The rest of the goals set by the city council are:

• Increase the loading and unloading hours supply in regulated spaces by 20% and rebalance demand. Indoor market spaces for logistical work and night hours will also be expanded.

• To reduce emissions from delivery vehicles by 50 %. Conversion to more sustainable, zero-emission vehicles will be encouraged.

• Increase the number of bicycles and delivery cycles tenfold and provide urban freight service on the rail network.

• Reduce traffic accidents, casualties, and serious injuries involving delivery vehicles.

• Reduce indiscipline among DUM vehicle drivers by 60%.

• Maintain the square meters of industrial land integrated into the city that is allocated to the reception and distribution of goods.

• Create a DUM office to improve communication between consumers and distribution companies.

• Extend the SPRO application to 75% of metropolitan municipalities. It is an application to find the nearest loading and unloading zone and validate parking.

• Promote research and creation of technological and innovative solutions related to the urban distribution of goods.