The A12, pictured during roadworks in October, will form part of the Olympic Route Network during the 2012 Games

Wanstead store tries out Olympic night-time deliveries

by Alistair Kleebauer, Senior reporter Monday, December 26, 2011
9:00 AM

Father Christmas and his reindeer are known for making deliveries at night as quietly as a mouse and now a Wanstead store has got in on the act.

As part of a trial of out-of-hours deliveries ahead of next year’s Olympics, the Co-operative store in High Street recently received all its food between midnight and 5am.

Transport for London (TfL) hopes roads such as the A12 Eastern Avenue are not brought to a standstill next summer during the Olympics.

As a result, it is encouraging businesses to change delivery patterns.

The Wanstead supermarket judged the two-week experiment and a code of practice – advising drivers and staff on the best ways not to disturb residents – as a success.

Tony Darbyshire, the Co-op’s regional transport manager, said: “The code works and will enable us to keep our stores in key areas serviced and running efficiently without disturbing local residents. We intend to roll out the code for any night-time deliveries across London.”

Redbridge was one of four boroughs taking part in the trial and no complaints were received from the store’s neighbours.

The Co-op is serviced by the A12 – part of the Olympic Route Network.

The A12 will be open to general traffic during the Games but will have some restrictions to ensure athletes and officials can get to venues quickly.

TfL is seeking views on its code which asks businesses to employ a number of measures, such as making sure all equipment is in good working order and using newer and quieter vehicles where possible.

Companies considering out-of-hours deliveries need to contact the council’s Planning Services to check it is permitted at their location.

Scott Wilding, the borough’s team leader for transportation policy, said: “The trial has been very useful in demonstrating how [night-time deliveries] can be done without disturbing local residents.”

TTo view the code, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/2012outofhoursdeliveries and to comment email freight@tfl.gov.uk.