Logistics bodies call for consistent approach

Industry bodies across the logistics and transport sectors have called for a new approach to strategic transport infrastructure decisions to avoid what they call ”disruption caused by political cycles and the stop-start decisions that increase costs and harm business confidence”.

Ahead of the five-yearly National Infrastructure Assessment, trade body Logistics UK – in partnership with the Railway Industry Association, British Ports Association, UK Warehousing Association and Rail Freight Group – has written to chancellor Jeremy Hunt to highlight the need for a clear, long-term plan that endures across political cycles.

The business groups have urged the chancellor to commit to this within the upcoming Autumn Statement, as well as calling for all parties to make the commitment within their manifestos ahead of the next election.

Logistics UK chief executive David Wells said: “Stop-start decisions are a barrier to the infrastructure that the logistics system requires to boost the UK’s economic growth. Decisions made today have enduring consequences.

“For the sake of both businesses and consumers, a consistent – and transparent – investment pipeline is needed to ensure sectors can confidently plan for the future, today.”

Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of British Ports Association, added: “Freight, logistics and ports are essential to the UK’s economy and so it is vital that we have the infrastructure to support what we do.

“In particular, improving transport capability and capacity across the logistics industry will be vital to drive efficiencies in freight operations. In terms of ports this means having good-quality road and rail links to our international gateways and regional hubs.

“Additionally, moving towards net zero we also need much better grid connectivity as well the digital infrastructure to improve our trading environment. There is definitely a role for policy makers to identify and improve the UK’s infrastructure to help the UK compete.”