The proposed solution is an integrated urban freight curbside management system that replaces informal pavement stopping with regulated, data-driven loading infrastructure. The system consists of three connected measures:
(1) timewindowed loading bays near major trip generators,
(2) smart loading zones equipped with digital booking and automated
occupancy monitoring, and
(3) curb extensions or “loading pockets” implemented in spatially constrained street environments.
Time-windowed loading bays provide lawful, predictable stopping opportunities where demand is highest. Research shows that dedicated, time-restricted bays reduce illegal stopping, shorten search time for loading space, and improve overall delivery efficiency (Holguín-Veras et al., 2020, p 366). Furthermore, aligning loading windows with peak delivery periods has been shown to reduce double-parking and improve pedestrian safety (Marcucci et al., 2015, p 244).
Smart loading zones introduce digital reservation systems, real-time occupancy monitoring and automated arrival registration. Evidence indicates that technology-enabled curbside management substantially increases curb utilization and reduces unnecessary circulation (“cruising”) by freight vehicles (Castrellon et al., 2024, p 7). Digital allocation of loading slots also contributes to a more balanced temporal distribution of loading demand and reduces queueing in areas with dense commercial activity (Dalla Chiara & Cheah, 2017, p 8).
Curb extensions and loading pockets provide additional safe loading capacity in narrow streets without disrupting pedestrian continuity. European design guidelines confirm that reallocating small segments of curb space for structured freight loading reduces pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and improves visibility at crossings (SLOADZ Consortium, 2022, p 19).
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