Approved Delivery Robots

1) Please describe the specific process by which delivery robots were approved or permitted to operate in your area, including:

1a) Whether any formal trial or pilot scheme was conducted (and its duration)

1b) Any licences, permits, or agreements issued (and their legal basis)

1c) Any internal departments or committees involved in the decision making process

1d) Any risk assessments or impact assessments carried out

1e) Any conditions or restrictions placed on operators (e.g. areas of operation, times, speed limits)

 

2) Was any public consultation undertaken prior to or during the introduction of delivery robots? If yes please provide the details of the consultation process (dates, format, stakeholders involved)

 

3) Please provide details of any legal advice received by the council regarding the lawfulness of delivery robot operations on public highways, including under (but not limited to) the Highways Act 1835 or the Road Traffic Act 1988.

 

4) Does the council hold any Memorandum of Understanding, formal agreement, or correspondence with any delivery robot operator regarding their operations in your area? If yes, please provide copies or summaries.
 

 Response:

1) Lincolnshire County Council is aware of a delivery robot trial operating in Witham St Hughs, which commenced in September 2024. The operator is DPD.

1a) Yes. A delivery robot has operated in Witham St Hughs as a trial since September 2024. The Council does not hold any further recorded information regarding the duration of the trial.

1b) The Council does not hold any recorded information relating to licences, permits or formal authorisations issued specifically for the operation of the delivery robot.

1c) The Council's Highways service was involved in discussions regarding the trial. No committee decision was required.

1d) The Council does not hold any separate risk assessments or impact assessments relating specifically to the operation of the delivery robot.

1e) The robot operates within Witham St Hughs using the existing footpath network and serves addresses within approximately one mile of DPD's Lincoln depot.

2) No public consultation was undertaken by Lincolnshire County Council specifically in relation to the introduction of the delivery robot trial.

3) The Council does not hold any recorded legal advice relating specifically to the operation of delivery robots under the Highways Act 1835, the Road Traffic Act 1988, or related legislation.

4) The Council does not hold any Memorandum of Understanding or formal agreement with the delivery robot operator.