Logistics UK reacts to government infrastructure spending delays

Following the Transport Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement, released today (09 March), Kate Jennings – Director of Policy at Logistics UK – comments:

“Logistics businesses want to see ambition in infrastructure delivery, so they can deliver greater productivity and reduced emissions for the country. We recognise the inflationary pressures that have brought about these delays, however it is essential to maintain momentum on delivery and avoid a stop start investment, which reduces business certainty, adds cost to projects and brings economic costs in terms of reduced efficiency of the network.

“HS2, road investment schemes and other ambitious infrastructure projects are vital for unlocking economic growth across the country. When delivered, they will mean more capacity on our transport network, fewer inefficient delays from congestion and more opportunities for modal shift, enabling a cut in carbon emissions.

“The conventional rail network is at capacity; HS2 is the greatest opportunity for delivering a substantial increase in capacity for rail freight in the UK. Once operational, HS2 has the potential to release capacity on the existing network for up to 144 extra freight trains per day. With rail traditionally ‘greener’ than other transport modes, and each freight train able to do the job of 77 HGV’s, maximising the capacity for modal shift to rail is vital for meeting decarbonisation targets.

“Delays to the planned road upgrades, to the A27 at Arundel and A5036 in Liverpool, are disappointing, both from the disruption which logistics operators will continue to experience and the delays which local residents will continue to suffer. The A27 is a major route for trade along the south coast to Portsmouth and Southampton, while the A5036 provides vital access to the Port of Liverpool.

“Logistics businesses need assurance that these projects will be delivered. That is why Logistics UK is calling for a 30-year infrastructure plan to optimise the national freight network, which underpins UK economic growth and productivity every day.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.