To understand traffic flows and deliveries in a specific area, surveys are a common tool for obtaining this information. They can be used to collect data for smaller areas or to obtain statistically relevant data that can be extrapolated to larger regions. Within the GRETA project, we used surveys to gather data for pilot areas that were relatively small, enabling us to obtain specific information on freight flows. 

In the GRETA project, surveys were conducted only in pilot areas, which are limited in size, making survey implementation feasible. In the GRETA pilots, the survey began with a basic description of the pilot area, such as its size and the number and location of loading bays and parcel lockers. It is advisable that, for survey purposes, a smaller, representative area is designated – it will be referred to as pilot area. 

Experiences show that most stops for freight vehicles in city centres are clustered around buildings housing shops and service providers, such as post offices, grocery stores, and other retail outlets. To better understand the specifics of the pilot area, a survey using a questionnaire should be conducted to obtain detailed information on: 

• Location of businesses in the pilot area by type (shops, restaurants, hotels, services). 
• Storage facilities of businesses in the pilot area. 

Besides location, understanding the deliveries to businesses in the pilot area is crucial. The following information needs to be obtained: 

• Number of deliveries 
• Type of delivery units and volumes 
• Place of delivery (in shop, on street, etc.) 
• Deliveries by type of vehicle (size, propulsion) 

This information is obtained through surveys. Within GRETA, two types of questionnaires were used: one for companies receiving freight in the pilot area and a second for logistics companies delivering freight to the pilot area. The two beforementioned questionnaires can be obtained here: 

GRETA Questionnaire for receivers  

GRETA Questionnaire for transport operators 

Using the above methodology, surveys were conducted in five GRETA pilot areas. This demonstrates how survey results may be interpreted and presented. 

GRETA D.1.2.2 Territorial Needs And Gaps addendum