New research from Durham University has highlighted how digital technology could transform the way urban kerbside space is managed, helping improve freight operations, reduce congestion, and support the future development of smarter transport networks.

The study, “Real-Time Optimisation for Rescheduling Bookable Kerbside Delivery Bays under Vehicle Delays”, explores how digital systems can dynamically manage loading bays by adapting bookings and reallocating kerbside space when delivery vehicles experience delays.

The research was produced through collaboration between Durham University and Grid Smarter Cities, combining academic research with practical experience gained through real-world digital kerbside management projects.

Using operational data from Grid Smarter Cities’ bookable loading bay scheme on Walworth Road in Southwark, delivered in partnership with Southwark Council, the research examined how optimisation technology can support more efficient use of limited road space.

Traditionally, kerbside areas have been managed as fixed infrastructure, with limited ability to respond to changing demands. However, increasing pressures from freight deliveries, urban growth, and emerging transport technologies are creating a need for more flexible and digital solutions.

Grid Smarter Cities founder Neil Herron said the research demonstrates the importance of viewing kerbside space as a dynamic part of the transport network rather than a static asset.

The findings show that digital systems could allow local authorities and operators to respond in real time to changing conditions, helping reduce unnecessary vehicle movements, improve efficiency for delivery operators, and minimise disruption for road users.

The research also highlights the potential role of digital kerbside management in supporting future connected and autonomous transport systems. As autonomous delivery vehicles and emerging mobility services become more widespread, the ability to digitally communicate permissions, availability, and access requirements will become increasingly important.

By analysing thousands of operational scenarios from the Southwark deployment, researchers found that real-time optimisation could significantly improve performance compared with traditional kerbside management approaches.

The technology has the potential to reduce congestion, support cleaner urban environments, and help local authorities make better use of existing infrastructure without requiring additional road space.

Councillor James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council, said the project demonstrates how technology can help balance the competing demands placed on urban streets, supporting businesses while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

The Walworth Road trial forms part of a wider shift towards smarter transport infrastructure, where data, automation, and digital systems are increasingly being used to improve how roads and public spaces are planned, managed, and maintained.

For local authorities, digital kerbside management represents a move towards more data-driven decision making. Instead of relying on fixed arrangements or manual processes, councils can use live information to understand how road space is being used and where improvements can be made.

The technology could become increasingly important as pressure on urban networks continues to grow. Rising delivery volumes, changing travel patterns, and the development of new transport technologies are creating greater demand for limited kerbside space.

The research also reflects a wider shift across the highways sector, where technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and connected systems are being introduced to improve how infrastructure is monitored and managed.

By combining real-time data with smarter decision-making, digital kerbside solutions could help create more efficient, sustainable, and responsive transport networks. For local authorities and infrastructure professionals, these innovations provide new opportunities to improve performance without relying solely on major physical changes to existing roads.

As cities continue to evolve, the management of road space will become an increasingly important challenge. Digital infrastructure solutions that improve visibility, communication, and efficiency will play a growing role in helping authorities balance the needs of residents, businesses, freight operators, and future mobility services.

As towns and cities face growing pressures from freight, population growth, and changing mobility patterns, digital kerbside management could become an important part of creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transport networks.