Borough’s most vulnerable supported by Sutton Council’s use of delivery and transport software by ViaVan

Sutton Council and ViaVan have come together to introduce a technology-driven solution to support the Council’s delivery efforts to vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

ViaVan’s technology, previously used to support demand-responsive bus service GoSutton, is being used to coordinate deliveries, and route volunteer drivers, all through a mobile app. 

The introduction of this technology has played a key role in Sutton Council’s ability to respond to the increased need for food deliveries to vulnerable members of the community. 

Cllr Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“The Council made a commitment to deliver food and essential items to those who need them most during these times. Given the scale of the challenge we quickly realised we needed to change how we work to deliver what was needed.

“Using ViaVan’s technology has helped our staff and volunteers deliver food parcels to residents more efficiently. 

“Our delivery of the food parcels is working during this demanding period and we are sending out 700+ parcels a week to those in need throughout the borough.

“We know residents receiving their weekly provisions are extremely grateful for this service.”

Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan, said:

“We are pleased to be able to help our communities in times of need. Our partnership with Sutton Council demonstrates how dynamic and digitally-enabled solutions can  utilise existing infrastructure to support new needs, in this case the movement of critical goods.

“This model represents an opportunity for cities and towns across the UK to look to technology to rapidly scale and optimise operations for delivery services for those in need.”

Residents awaiting delivery receive a text notification to let them know their delivery is on the way, with an estimated time of arrival and notification upon completion, all the time ensuring proper social distancing in line with public health guidance. 

Volunteers helping with delivery efforts log into a mobile app and follow delivery instructions.

If you need help or would like someone to call you for a chat during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, please email coronavirushelp@sutton.gov.uk, or call 020 8770 5000, option 6.

Support and advice can be found on Sutton Council’s COVID-19 webpages.