Assessing the maturity of urban freight transport policies in France: Key factors influencing policy integration

Recent studies have identified local authorities as key actors in the development, selection, and support of policies promoting sustainable urban logistics. Yet, despite normative pressure exerted by European directives, French planning documents still insufficiently consider urban logistics, and few measures have been taken to promote its sustainability. This study analyzed how urban logistics are considered in the public policies of 121 local French authorities. We also examined the factors favorable to integrating urban logistics into those policies as well as the role played by a French national program (InTerLUD) in such integration. Our analysis employed a maturity model, a survey, and a review of pertinent documents. The results revealed that although urban logistics is heterogeneously integrated into local policies, French local authorities are starting to develop a structured, coordinated strategy to promote it. They highlight that the French national program, which facilitates the integration of urban logistics into public policies by promoting voluntary commitment charters signed by local public and private actors, contributes to this development. Consequently, this article highlights the main contributions of the program as well as the challenges encountered in implementing these voluntary charters. Moreover, this study offers insights into how local authorities not involved in the program can address the obstacles they face as a result of insufficient political support or limited resources. • →We provide a framework to analyze urban logistics maturity in local authorities. • The implementation of urban logistics by 121 French cities is assessed. • Public-private partnerships and structured governance are crucial for implementation. • Results show urban logistics is not yet a political priority, except in large cities. • This paper shows how a French national program supports urban logistics policymaking.