Freight the missing link in transport strategy

IN HER last act as Transport Secretary Louise Haigh promised a people focused approach, however, Logistics UK has said that the final strategy must recognise the critical role logistics plays in supporting our communities and economy.

Head of cities and infrastructure policy Jonathan Walker says: “The lack of mention of freight in what purports to be a vision for an Integrated National Transport Strategy is deeply disappointing. The UK needs a genuinely integrated transport strategy that meets the needs of the travelling public while facilitating the efficient movement of freight, which is critical for driving growth throughout the economy and delivering the goods that consumers and businesses rely on every day.

“Logistics UK has identified the key transport corridors and critical routes for investment and is pressing the Treasury and the Department for Transport to use our research for formally identifying the UK’s Logistics Network and use this as the basis of a 30-year infrastructure strategy.

“The Transport Secretary has rightly highlighted the need to reform the appraisal system to give sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow and these are areas where the logistics sector has extensive experience.”

Logistics UK deputy director policy Michelle Gardner, adds: “Logistics must be recognised as a foundational sector with policies prioritised to enable growth across the whole economy. By establishing the right partnerships, regulations and investment for logistics, the government can deliver productivity gains that will boost the UK economy by up to £8 billion per year by 2030¹.”

Louise Haigh resigned as Transport Secretary soon after the speech when it emerged she had pleaded guilty to an offence after incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

Heidi Alexander has been appointed new Transport Secretary.

CILT(UK)’s director of public policy and communications, Daniel Parker-Klein says: "CILT(UK) welcomes Heidi Alexander as the new Transport Secretary.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with her to drive forward sustainable, efficient, and passenger-focused solutions across the sector and support the wider supply chain."

Daniel Parker-Klein added:  "We welcome the Government's announcement outlining a vision for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy.”

“CILT(UK) has consistently called for a long-term strategy facilitating the effective movement of goods and people and one which strengthens our supply chains. 

“It is essential for addressing the evolving needs of our transport sector, enabling growth, protecting the environment and sustainably connecting communities to the services and goods they need.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Government to ensure this vision aligns with the priorities of the sector."

¹ Oxford Economics, Logistics: Delivering a solution to the UK's productivity puzzle, September 2023