A methodology for the evaluation of urban logistics innovations

This paper discusses a methodology to increase the consistency with which urban good innovations and projects are evaluated. The methodology has been developed in France and is based on a detailed examination of 15 projects comparing the wide range of criteria used in their evaluation. Following the discussion of the methodology and a summary of how it was devised the paper goes on to show its application to two projects, one in France involving mail and small package deliveries and the other in the UK involving an urban consolidation centre for retailers. Using the two case studies demonstrates the application of the methodology and also shows some of the challenges in terms of data acquisition. The paper concludes by considering the value of the approach and outlining further research needs.