They want to remove couriers from the sidewalks: how new traffic laws will change the delivery market The Ministry of Transportation prepared amendments to the traffic rules that prohibit couriers from driving on sidewalks. The initiative aims to improve pedestrian safety, but for delivery services it could mean a longer route, higher costs and longer waiting times for orders. This is reported by Kommersant.
⠀ What they propose to change about messengers will be prohibited from moving on sidewalks and pedestrian areas. The restriction will also apply to owners of personal mobility equipment (PIM) weighing more than 35 kg.
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For other SIM users, the rules will depend on age and road infrastructure. Children under the age of 16 will be prohibited from driving on the streets, on the streets, in the squares and boulevards. Teens over 16 and adults will be required to use bike lanes and other designated areas. Traveling on the sidewalk will be allowed exceptionally - if there is no special infrastructure.
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The document was prepared for about three years. The Ministry of Transportation plans to publish the draft for public discussion. For now, these are not actual rules, but suggestions.
⠀ What does this mean about delivery services? The main issue is the economics of the last mile. If couriers have to navigate areas without bicycle infrastructure or use roads, routes may be longer and deliveries may be slower.
⠀ For platforms, this is a risk of decreased productivity: the courier will be able to make fewer orders per shift. Companies will have to adjust logistics, check delivery areas and time standards. Additional costs may also arise when upgrading courier transport.
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Small delivery services and restaurants with their own couriers are particularly vulnerable: they have fewer resources to rebuild processes. Large platforms have more adaptability, but they will also have to take into account new limitations.
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In the future, some of the costs may be reflected in the shipping cost.