Logistics UK welcomes Transport Secretary’s confirmation of intention to develop Freight Plan

Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander told MPs on 23 April that an upcoming Freight Plan will set out a vision-led strategy for Britain’s goods movement, moving beyond the traditional predict-and-address approach.

The multimodal plan will be shaped by the DfT Freight Council, which met for the first time under the new government earlier in April, and now includes representatives of the Department for Business and Trade as well.

Speaking during the same Transport Committee session, the Transport Secretary said:

·       A new Road Safety Strategy will be published later this year.

·       The government is reviewing private-sector funding models for two major capital projects, the Lower Thames Crossing and the redevelopment of Euston station.

·       Regarding rail, no existing freight rights will be removed and electrification remains “a core aim”. She added that Mayors will be able to request further rail devolution.

·       Regarding electric vehicles, regular cross-departmental talks continue to ensure the national grid can support expanding charging infrastructure.

Michelle Gardner, Logistics UK – Deputy Director Policy said: “It is a significant win for our sector that the government intends to develop a new multimodal freight plan, which is something we called for ahead of the general election and since.

"The last government’s Future of Freight plan, which Logistics UK fed into, was the UK’s government’s first ever multimodal freight plan. An updated plan offers us the opportunity to take our sector forward on matters related to infrastructure, planning, innovation, decarbonisation, skills and trade, and we look forward to shaping it through the DfT Freight Council.”