At its Greater London Freight Council meeting yesterday (June 13), the Freight Transport Association took another key step in its strategy of Planning for Freight by hosting the launch of Transport for London's (TfL) London Freight Plan consultation.
Working with the TfL Freight Team and other senior managers, FTA will be supporting TfL in its efforts to develop the first city-wide, 10-year plan for improving the delivery of freight. The plan sets out key objectives for improving delivery access as well as providing a platform for the implementation of best practice schemes across the capital.
The consultation will develop a range of ideas designed to make life easier and more flexible for companies needing to make essential deliveries, said FTA. These include a freight operator recognition scheme, consolidation centres for distribution, development of quiet vehicles for night work, support and advice for local authorities in identifying freight needs, and the progression of the 'Freight Quality Partnership' concept where the interests of residents, the environment and industry are considered together.
FTA has been supporting the development of the plan through the work of the London Sustainable Distribution Partnership, since its inception. Steve Steele, head of TfL's Freight Unit, said that the London Freight Plan would not have come this far without the efforts and ongoing support of the FTA and its members'.
Gordon Telling, FTA's head of policy for London, South East & East of England, said: “FTA and its members are delighted to be supporting TfL with the launch of the Consultation on the London Freight Plan. FTA has been involved with this project since its inception and is pleased with the progress that has been made to develop an agreed plan with clear actions to improve conditions for freight operators, customers and Londoners alike.
“The London Freight Plan fits well with FTA's own policy initiatives and its drive to move thinking away from ‘banning’ freight towards a more proactive and engaging ‘planning’ for freight. We recognise that this is a first step of a longer journey and welcome the opportunity over coming months to further refine and develop the many proposals that are outlined in this consultation document.”
This point was reinforced by TfL commissioner Peter Hendy, who said: “TfL cannot deliver this critically important freight plan on its own. We believe that with the support of the freight industry we will be able to make a real difference to the way in which freight can sustainably provide for the future needs of the capital.”
Underlining the significance of the plan, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: “Over the next 10 years, the population of London is anticipated to increase by a further 800,000 people, resulting in increased demand for goods and services. The decisions we take today will have a lasting impact on how London will function and operate in the future and it is essential that we take a long-term view about how freight is transported.”
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