Freight and logistics

Information and guidance about freight and logistics

Freight and logistic strategy

The Freight and Logistics Strategy (pdf format, 2.1 MB) is a supporting strategy to our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP). The full council adopted it alongside the LTCP in July 2022.

The Freight and Logistics Strategy addresses some of the challenges associated with the movement of goods in Oxfordshire and sets out the actions required to deliver appropriate, efficient, clean and safe movement. It builds on the high-level freight policies in the LTCP.

Key principles

We identified a set of key principles which our Freight and Logistics Strategy seeks to deliver. Our key principles are:

appropriate movement
efficient movement
net-zero movement
safe movement
partnership working

How will we achieve this

The Freight and Logistics Strategy outlines how we will address the issues associated with the movements of goods in the county and deliver our key principles.

The document includes three distinct sections. These are:

long-distance movement
local movement
last mile movement

This approach has been taken to reflect the complexity of the freight system and that different solutions will be required to address the issues at each level. The actions in each section are all seeking to deliver our key principles.

In total, the strategy identifies 47 actions that we are working to deliver. A summary of the actions can be found on pages 5 to 7 of the strategy. For further details please use the contents of the strategy to navigate to the relevant section.

Freight awareness

Freight is the backbone of our daily lives, silently delivering the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the technology we use. However, most people rarely think about how these goods reach store shelves or their doorsteps. Freight awareness is about recognizing the vital role transportation systems play in keeping our communities running smoothly.

Trucks, trains, ships, and planes move goods across cities and continents, impacting our economy, environment, and safety. By understanding how freight works, the public can support smarter, more sustainable systems, like green logistics and efficient infrastructure, that reduce environmental impact, improve traffic, and ensure timely deliveries. Together, we can build a future where freight serves everyone better.

Why freight is important

Freight refers to goods and products transported from one location to another, typically using various modes like trucks, trains, ships, or airplanes. Freight is essential for maintaining supply chains, supporting businesses, and meeting consumer demand. It connects manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, ensuring the availability of goods worldwide.

Freight consolidation and how it helps

Freight consolidation is combining shipments from different suppliers or businesses into a single delivery to a specific area. This reduces the number of trips, lowers fuel consumption, and decreases emissions. Consolidation can also cut costs for businesses, reduce congestion, and improve delivery efficiency.

The role cargo bikes play in our freight solutions

Cargo bikes, especially electric cargo bikes, are increasingly being used for last-mile deliveries in Oxfordshire, especially in Oxford city centre. They reduce the need for larger vehicles, ease congestion, and lower emissions. Cargo bikes are ideal for short-distance deliveries and can navigate narrow streets and pedestrianized areas, making them highly effective in Oxford’s urban environment.

How we support sustainable freight initiatives

Oxfordshire County Council supports sustainable freight by implementing policies like the ZEZ, collaborating with businesses to test e-cargo bike trials, and promoting eco-friendly delivery solutions. The council also works on infrastructure improvements, such as dedicated cycling lanes and loading bays, to support sustainable logistics.

How we are promoting last mile delivery

Oxfordshire county council focuses on replacing traditional van deliveries with sustainable options for the final leg of deliveries, particularly within congested areas like Oxford. E-cargo bikes and electric vehicles are promoted for last-mile deliveries to reduce emissions and ease urban congestion, supporting a cleaner transport network.

The long-term goal for freight and logistics in Oxfordshire

The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable, low-emission freight network that reduces the environmental impact of transport while ensuring efficient deliveries across the county. Oxfordshire County Council aims to meet ambitious air quality and carbon reduction targets through policy initiatives, infrastructure, and community involvement, contributing to a sustainable transport future.

How we are working with national freight and logistics companies to create a more sustainable freight network

Oxfordshire County Council works collaboratively with partners, including national freight companies and local stakeholders, to understand diverse logistics requirements and develop tailored solutions to cover all potential work. These partnerships help align local policies with broader sustainability goals, facilitating cleaner, more efficient freight networks.

Cargo bike guidance

We are advancing cargo bikes as a sustainable solution within the Freight and Logistics Strategy, aiming to replace light goods vehicles (LGVs) for last-mile deliveries in urban areas. Cargo bikes reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel vans and are up to 60% faster in city centres, delivering cost savings and efficiency for operators.

Cargo bikes are central to our Local Transport and Active Travel Plans, reducing reliance on motor vehicles for short trips and last-mile deliveries. Initiatives such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) support this shift by creating safer, more accessible areas for cyclists, including cargo bike users. This aligns with our goals to cut emissions, improve air quality, and reduce congestion.

Existing cargo bike services in Oxford demonstrate strong potential, and OCC aims to expand their use, especially with the Zero Emission Zone, to enhance public health and reduce pollution. While not a full replacement for road freight, cargo bikes offer local businesses and freight operators increased reliability, cost efficiency, and flexible delivery options, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient urban transport network.

A Cargo Bike guidance (docx format, 15 MB) has been created to provide advice and information for riders, businesses, and organizations currently using or considering the adoption of cargo bikes.

HGV routing and parking

HGV route map

There will always be a significant number of local HGV trips required to service Oxfordshire. These trips are essential to support the local economy and residents' everyday lives.

Therefore, when trips are required it is important these are on the most appropriate routes. As part of the Freight and Logistics Strategy, we have produced an HGV route map to show appropriate HGV routes in Oxfordshire.

The LTCP Freight map (pdf format, 2.7 MB) will help haulage companies and HGV drivers identify the recommended route for their journeys in Oxfordshire.

The routes shown are those identified in the Freight and Logistics Strategy as being the preferred routes for HGVs and are not statutory routes.

All information is correct as of July 2022. The HGV route map should be used for guidance only. It is a driver’s responsibility to check the accuracy of route information and to observe all road signs.

Weight restrictions

In some areas of Oxfordshire, weight restrictions have been introduced to prevent HGV routing.

Weight restriction orders make it an offence to drive a vehicle through the restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed unless they are delivering or collecting within the weight restriction. In Oxfordshire, the police and the Trading Standards Service can enforce weight restriction orders.

Further information about current enforcement work, and advice for residents on how to report breaches of weight restrictions can be found on Trading Standards weight restriction enforcement webpage.

HGV parking map

As part of the Freight and Logistics Strategy we included an action to review existing HGV parking. This is to help address the growing need for safe, accessible, and sustainable parking facilities for HGVs. This work aims to reduce the impact of HGV parking on communities, alleviate congestion, and ensure that HGV drivers are well-supported across the county.

Desktop work has been conducted to create a map of HGV parking in the county and estimated capacity. The HGV map should be used for guidance only. It is a driver’s responsibility to check the parking suitability and to observe any restrictions. The map can be seen here.

HGV issue process and ongoing studies

Area weight restriction study

The Freight and Logistics Strategy identified that we would conduct a countywide study to establish an approach for area based weight restrictions (action 10). The goal was to consider how we can keep HGVs on appropriate routes in larger geographic areas and stop issues being moved from one road to another.

The study was conducted in 2 phases between January and June 2023:

Phase 1 - Stakeholder engagement and data collection.
Phase 2 - Development of approach and decision-making framework.

Due to the complexity of weight restrictions, it was not possible to identify restriction proposals from a countywide level. The study highlighted the cost, complexity and potential impacts of weight restrictions. It also highlighted that weight restrictions are only one potential solution and that other solutions should be considered.

A key finding was the need to fully understand the problem and then work with a range of stakeholders to develop the appropriate solution. The study, therefore, produced an overarching process and set of criteria to assist with prioritisation.

The study also identified some areas where action may be required and recommended that further investigation would be beneficial. We are now conducting more detailed studies in 2 initial areas: the Windrush Valley and Henley-on-Thames, including rural surrounds.

HGV issue process

As identified above, the area weight restriction study produced a process for how we approach HGV issues. We are now implementing this to ensure a consistent countywide approach.

The process will ensure that where applicable, evidence collection, stakeholder engagement and partnership working is conducted to understand issues and develop any solutions.

If you would like to report a HGV issue, please contact the team via freight@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

HGV studies

The Windrush Valley and Henley-on-Thames HGV studies aim to fully understand HGV movements and issues and then work with a range of stakeholders to develop the appropriate solution. The work is being conducted in 3 phases, with initial data collection and stakeholder engagement conducted between November 2023 and March 2024.

The HGV studies are now progressed to ‘Phase 2’, which covers the rest of the 2024/25 financial year. This phase of work involved additional data collection through deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to better understand HGV movements in the area. Following data collection and analysis, County Council officers will work with a range of stakeholders to develop and appraise potential interventions.