Urban Goods Distribution Diagnosis Reveals Supply Needs in Santa Cruz
Weekly Supply Requirements
The Urban Goods Distribution Diagnosis (DUM), presented this past Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce during the European Mobility Week, reveals that most businesses and hospitality establishments in Santa Cruz require replenishment at least once a week. According to the study, conducted by AECOC and disseminated by the city council, 24% receive deliveries daily, while 44% receive goods two to three times a week.
The report includes comments from AECOC’s Mobility Manager, José Carlos Espeso, who highlighted that only 33% of businesses have a parking area within 50 metres. This situation, though comparable to other cities like Málaga, Seville, or Madrid, underscores the need to create and expand loading and unloading bays, he stated.
Residents’ Perspectives on Night Deliveries
Furthermore, Espeso noted that 70% of residents in the Centro-Ifara area “view night deliveries positively as a means to reduce congestion and emissions.” Regarding convenience lockers, “more than 82% of those who already have them use them, and 79% of those who do not would utilise them if available,” he elaborated.
Forecasts for Online Trade Growth
The study also anticipates growth in online commerce, with 63% of respondents “expecting an increase in the coming years, which will heighten the demand for efficient logistical solutions.” Santa Cruz’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised that the DUM “will allow us to adjust loading and unloading schedules, assess the creation of new bays, and facilitate the introduction of innovative solutions such as lockers for online commerce.”
Improving Accessibility
On another note, the Councillor for Mobility, Evelyn Alonso, stressed that “these measures will enhance traffic flow and improve accessibility for goods transport professionals.”
Importance of Public-Private Collaboration
María Tena, AECOC’s Director of Logistics and Transport, underscored “the importance of public-private collaboration in designing urban models capable of addressing new challenges in urban goods distribution.”
Among the study’s final recommendations are the approval of a Municipal Ordinance for Urban Goods Distribution, extending loading and unloading hours, increasing spaces in high-demand areas, and promoting more sustainable logistical practices. According to Espeso, these measures “will help reduce environmental impact, facilitate commercial activity, and improve the quality of life for residents.”
