Monaco has introduced designated parking for drivers who are delivering products ordered online, making life easier for all road users and facilitating the digital transition of the Principality.
With the advent and escalation of online shopping has come a sharp rise in the number of delivery trucks on the roads. These trucks, whilst providing a vital service, can also be problematic as they often have no dedicated parking and are therefore left to illegally double park, causing traffic issues, or are forced to park far from delivery points.
The Department of Equipment, Environment and Town Planning and the Interministerial Delegation in Charge of Digital Transition are looking to change all that. As part of the Extended Monaco programme, they have set up a series of connected delivery areas reserved solely for participating drivers.
Called Merchandise Reception Points (PAM, Points d’Accueil Marchandises), they will help facilitate urban logistics and the distribution of goods on Monegasque territory.
“The rise of online commerce in our modern societies must be accompanied by a reflection down to the last kilometre on our territory,” said Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister for Equipment, the Environment and Urbanism. “Indeed, digital technology gives us the means to organise, in real time and for the benefit of residents, the flows observed in the Principality. Thus a first full-scale test with users is launched, under the acronym PAM.”
Nine strategic sectors of the Principality have been prioritised with three local players, La Poste, Monaco Logistique, and the Senior Citizens and Social Action Department of Monaco City Hall. These delivery areas are distinguished by specific markings on the ground so as to avoid being used by unauthorised persons. They will be strictly assigned and enforced from 6am to 8pm for the companies and services participating in this initiative.
Each space will be large enough to accommodate two light commercial vehicles or a truck with a tailgate and will have sensors which, when coupled with the dedicated www.livici.gouv.mc website, will allow delivery people to find and have access to the optimal parking places for their deliveries.
The site makes it simple for drivers to find not only designated PAM spaces, but also has features such as showing real-time availability, itineraries and parking and incident declaration abilities.
Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate in charge of Digital Transition, emphasised the importance of such a programme, saying, “In our world where ecological and digital transitions are central, Livrici is one more step towards optimised and sustainable urban logistics. Deliveries organised and regulated by digital technology will make it possible to support economic development without affecting mobility. Thus, the solution will contribute to the quality of life objectives in the Principality supported by the Smart City.”
PAM is expected to be extended by the end this year.
Photo by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department