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Chancellor commissions study on automated vehicles
In the Autum Statement in 2023, the Chancellor announced that he would be commissioning the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to provide recommendations on infrastructure policy interventions and ensure that self-driving and connected technologies can deliver economic growth across the UK.
The Terms of Reference for the study have now been published.
The NIC has been asked to consider how the government should plan, operate and maintain the country’s road network and related digital infrastructure to ensure that any opportunities and future challenges from this emerging technology are accounted for in strategic transport plans.
“Technologies are being developed, and regulations being developed around them, and it is important that logistics is part of that,” said Denise Beedell, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK.
“This is particularly relevant to connected and autonomous vehicles.
“Logistics, as a more controlled environment than passenger transport, could also act as an important test bed for certain transport innovations.”
The UK government stated in August 2022 that, by 2025, self-driving car deployments will start to occur across the country, enhancing the flow of people and goods and establishing a market for the technology early on.
By implementing the policies outlined in the Automated Vehicles Bill, the government hopes to guarantee that a thorough regulatory, legal and safety framework will support this industry.
Published On: 07/03/2024 16:00:00
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In brief
FedEx Express Spain welcomes first electric vehicles 
FedEx Express Europe has received the first of 33 new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans being added to ground operations in Spain over the coming months.
The 3.5t fully electric vehicles have been allocated to FedEx Express stations in Madrid and Barcelona.
Sixteen electric vehicles are already fulfilling parcel pickup and delivery routes in central Madrid and 17 vehicles will soon be on the road in Barcelona.
A total of 33 charging points will be in place across both sites, where the energy supply is certified as being from renewable energy, and a dynamic power management solution ensures the full fleet of electric vehicles can adequately charge onsite overnight.
ALDI partners with InPost to trial parcel lockers outside stores
Customers will be able to collect and return online orders from other retailers outside 22 select Aldi stores across the country. The trial will conclude after a 12-week period, with the aim to roll it out to more stores if successful.
“We are all about making things efficient for our customers, and the installation of InPost lockers will make shopping at Aldi even more convenient,” said Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK.
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