Ministers need to urgently address the needs of the haulage sector in any government transport strategy, Logistics UK has warned.
Speaking after the government published its plans for a new integrated transport strategy last week – which promised a separate “new plan for freight later this year” – the industry body said the Iran conflict had heightened the need for a “renewed focus” on logistics.
“The situation in the Middle East has put transport networks and supply chains under the spotlight like never before, and a comprehensive integrated transport strategy must take the work of our sector into account, balancing the needs of the travelling public and business,” Logistics UK said.
The ’Better Connected’ strategy is “designed to make everyday journeys simpler, easier to pay for and more reliable from door to door”, according to the Department for Transport. Among its proposals are more contactless, tap-and-go travel, with government “giving local leaders tools to join up buses, trams and trains”. However, the plan largely ignores the freight sector.
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“In recent discussions with government, Logistics UK urged officials to recognise the interdependent nature of the country’s freight and transport networks and to include freight within its final strategy,” the industry body added.
“The decision to produce a separate freight plan will delay any changes which will benefit our sector, so it is vital that this new plan is delivered at pace with clear delivery milestones,” said Logistics UK CEO Ben Fletcher.
“The logistics sector is an essential user of the transport network and its role in underpinning supply chains across all UK industries and enabling economic growth must be reflected in the government’s long-term vision for how transport is designed and delivered,” he added.
“Our members are keen to help deliver the growth agenda the country needs but to do that will need a functioning, effective transport network.”
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