Assessment of freight transport flows in the city centre based on the Szczecin example - Methodological approach and results

The dynamic development of transport in recent years constitutes an important factor in the economic development of the world, but it is also a source of problems, which can be observed especially in urban areas. A growing number of city users results in increased demand for freight distribution, the large part of which is generated by industrial, retail and service entities. The distribution function initiated by these entities causes an increase in the logistics flows within a limited area. The main problem arising in the process of analysing the functioning of transport and distribution of goods in cities is lack of data regarding classification of vehicles, their routes, demand for transport, etc. The objective of the paper is to present the methodology and results of research done in Szczecin (Poland). It fills the information gap in the functioning of UFT in the analysed area.