Reverse logistics.
The 'returns' sector represents an industry in itself, and creates large volumes of traffic on the roads.
In a LinkedIn post some time ago, I suggested that 'last mile' distribution and returns could be un-dertaken more efficiently and in a more environmentally-friendly manner by a single state-run en-terprise, perhaps with red vehicles and red collection boxes. This was a 'witty' idea, as historically in the UK we had Post Office / Royal Mail doing exactly that, prior to privatisation of the market and the very significant growth of companies like DHL, TNT, etc - the 'success' of this competitive mar-ket has resulted in vast numbers of 'white vans' crowding the roads and pavements, resulting in noise, air pollution, and I'm sure an increased number of road accidents. A PhD awaits someone who wishes to monitor the change in injuries and deaths as delivery / reverse logisitcs vehicle num-ber have increased in the UK.
(L3M6)