3. Will the Commission explore the potential of using cargo bikes for deliveries to the Assembly? OAQ53888

I must admit, when I first considered this question, I had a startling image of a whole cortege of Granvilles turning up outside with their baskets fully laden, but of course these are purpose-built vehicles. The Commission agrees that they have a potential for reducing the impact of delivery vehicles in an urban environment, particularly for the so-called 'last mile' section of a delivery. In keeping with this, I'm pleased to report that we already use a cycle courier service for the transport of documents across Cardiff. In addition, I can confirm that we have spoken to our most frequently used delivery courier about the possibility of using cargo bikes, but given the distance from their depot and their need to remain economically competitive, this is not a feasible option for them at this present time. However, we shall keep this situation under review with them and all our suppliers.

I really welcome that answer and the optimism that lies within it. As you will know, David, these cargo bikes are not some strange little niche area, they're actually in many of the European capital cities now. They've become a fundamental part of that last-mile delivery within cities and urban areas. They don't have to deal with parking tickets. They don't have to deal with problems of congestion. As long as there is a good cycle infrastructure, they can get places faster than delivery vans and so on. So, I wonder if I could, with that note of encouragement that I've just heard, ask the Commission to work with Welsh Government—and I notice our Minister for active travel is here as well—to look at the potential combined between the Commission and Welsh Government to support a growth in cargo bike deliveries across Cardiff—Cathays Park to here, to the fifth floor, and the Commission's work as well—and see if we can build that economic case that will cause either an independent provider or, perhaps, the first Welsh co-operative of cargo bikes here in Cardiff to start that delivery mechanism going within our capital city. 

Well, I noted in the papers and in the background to this you mentioned a lorry turning up outside the gates with one single parcel in the back, and I actually, by coincidence, witnessed that myself and it did seem a very lonely parcel and a huge lorry, I can assure you. But, of course, that was probably at the end of the delivery schedule that the lorry had. But I can assure you that we are exploring all ways of encouraging couriers and delivery companies to look further into the possibility of delivering, particularly, as we said, on that last mile, and we will keep on. We're in constant contact with those who deliver to the estate and have indicated to them that, should they contemplate initiating such a service in the future, we would be very interested in being involved in such a service. 

It's not only a single parcel turning up in a van, but very often there's one member of staff or one—

Forgive me, Llyr. I missed the first part of that. 

It’s not only a single parcel turning up in a vehicle, but very often there are individuals turning up in vehicles, be they staff or Members of this place. May I ask, therefore, in light of the fact that this Assembly has declared a climate emergency, that the Commission should look at wider transport policies in this place and should do more to encourage initiatives that not only encourage Members to use more environmentally friendly means of transport, but also make more of an effort to ensue that we share vehicles when there is an opportunity to do that?  

Yes, I'm sure that, in questioning in the past, we've indicated that the Commission does take these matters very seriously. Obviously, with the provision of parking for bikes et cetera, that's one of the things that we've been looking at and, of course, again, we're looking at the fact of installing electric charging points; as soon as the spaces become available, we'll be exploiting that as well. So, the Commission is very much committed to reducing the carbon footprint of this Assembly in general terms.

Thank you. And question 4—Helen Mary Jones—which will be answered by the Llywydd.