Member News – 29 July 2026

29 July 2026

In this issue:

• New Logistics UK website launching soon.
• Government moves away from introduction of a warehouse tax to pay for targeted business rate reductions.
• DfT confirms Ministerial portfolios following reshuffle.
• New consultation on proposed changes to the third Road Investment Strategy.
• New Road Maintenance Strategy Published for Northern Ireland.
• Reconnecting Kyiv: aviation, cargo and logistics partnerships for airport recovery.

This issue also includes our new ‘Month in review’ featuring highlights in our campaigns and policy engagement.

Policy updates

New Logistics UK website launching soon

Logistics UK is delighted to announce that it will soon be launching a new website.

Designed to provide an enhanced online experience, the new website features improved navigation and functionality, making it easier to find the information, services and resources needed.

As part of the launch, members will receive an email with an invitation to activate their accounts and reset passwords. No action is required at this stage; we will send further details directly to you shortly.

We look forward to sharing our new website with you very soon.

Government moves away from introduction of a warehouse tax to pay for targeted business rate reductions

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 23 July a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues, to be introduced from April 2027. While proposals had previously been aired for a levy on “online tech companies and their warehouses” to fund the measure, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have confirmed that the policy will instead be funded through a review of reliefs for businesses deemed not to make a positive contribution to local communities, alongside action against businesses selling through online marketplaces that do not comply with their tax obligations.

Ahead of the announcement, government received representations highlighting the role warehousing plays across the wider economy and supply chain. Warehousing supports a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, hospitality and healthcare, and only a relatively small proportion (11%) of warehouse space is used for online retail activity.

Logistics UK has consistently highlighted the importance of warehousing as critical infrastructure that supports businesses, public services and consumers across the UK. We have also emphasised that measures increasing costs for warehouse operations can create additional pressures throughout supply chains, ultimately affecting businesses and consumers. The government’s confirmation that it will not introduce a warehouse tax provides greater certainty for the sector and reflects the wider economic contribution of warehousing to jobs, investment and supply chain resilience.

DfT confirms Ministerial portfolios following reshuffle

The Department for Transport has confirmed its updated ministerial responsibilities following the reshuffle led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. For the freight and logistics sector, Keir Mather remains the key minister, with the title of Aviation, Maritime & Security Minister. As well as the areas in his job title, he is responsible for coordinating freight and logistics matters across his ministerial colleagues. However, responsibility for electric vehicles and decarbonisation has moved from Keir Mather to Simon Lightwood, the Local Transport & Sustainability Minister. In another notable change, Justin Madders has joined the department as Roads Minister. Lord Hendy remains Rail Minister.

New consultation on proposed changes to the third Road Investment Strategy

The Department for Transport is consulting on proposed changes to the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), including a £428 million reduction in capital funding and the proposed cancellation of the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass schemes.

The proposals follow a review of transport spending in light of increased government investment in defence. DfT is seeking views before making final decisions.

Logistics UK would welcome member views on:

• Whether the proposed RIS3 changes and funding reductions are supported or opposed.
• Whether members agree with the prioritisation of maintenance and renewals funding.
• How RIS3 objectives should be prioritised if funding is reduced.
• Any additional evidence relating to the A38 Derby Junctions or A46 Newark Bypass schemes.

Please send any comments to Maddi Solloway-Price by 1 September.

New Road Maintenance Strategy published for Northern Ireland

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has published a new Road Maintenance Strategy, setting out a long-term plan for how Northern Ireland’s road network will be maintained in the years ahead. The overall aim is to create a safer, more resilient, and sustainable road network that supports communities and economic activity across Northern Ireland.

The strategy’s key priorities are:

• Higher quality maintenance: improving the durability of repairs.
• Targeted maintenance investment: using road condition data to prioritise spending where it will have the greatest impact.
• Sustainable maintenance: taking a preventative, long- term management approach rather than reactive repairs.
• Technology: greater use of technology to identify problems and better target interventions.

For logistics operators and haulage businesses, the strategy could deliver important long-term benefits by reducing road defects, improving journey reliability, reducing vehicle damage and maintenance costs. While it represents a welcome shift to preventative measures, the strategy’s success will ultimately depend on sustained funding and effective implementation as well as a focus on key freight routes alongside lower-volume, rural roads which are vital to Northern Ireland’s logistics operators.

Reconnecting Kyiv: aviation, cargo and logistics partnerships for airport recovery

In conjunction with the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Logistics UK chaired a call between Kyiv International Airport and a wide range of UK stakeholders across the logistics and aviation sector on Tuesday 28 July.

The delegation from Kyiv International Airport gave an update on the role that the airport aims to play when the hostilities come to an end. There are ambitions for building a UK-Ukraine aviation partnership, where the new infrastructure will not just replace what was lost, but instead by built to the highest technological specifications.

Kyiv International Airport is seeking long-term cooperation with UK partners to rebuild and develop a modern, resilient and sustainable aviation hub in the heart of Ukraine. They are interested in hearing from infrastructure investors, airport operators, as well as cargo and logistics partnerships. Their immediate priority is not only rebuilding damaged facilities, but also restoring essential airport operations through temporary equipment, engineering support and strategic partnerships. When the Ukrainian airspace reopens, Kyiv International Airport intends to replace temporary assets with new British manufactured equipment supported by export finance and long-term cooperation with UK industry.

Kyiv International Airport is keen to hear from Logistics UK members that believe they could provide support, guidance or resources that would aid the airport’s recovery. Presentation slides containing further information can be found here. If you believe you can help, please reach out to Oleh Zakorchemny, Chief Executive Officer, Kyiv Airport.

Quick briefs

M48 Severn Bridge weight restriction – July 2026 update

On 27 May 2025, National Highways introduced a 7.5t weight restriction for HGVs on the M48 Severn Bridge. This was because Routine surveys revealed that the main bridge cables have deteriorated and weakened and National Highways needed to reduce the load on these cables to keep the bridge open for most traffic. National Highways is now able to provide an update on both the solution and the time frames associated with implementation.

A proposal for an eastbound AM peak hour HGV ban was considered; however, the latest traffic modelling shows it will no longer be required. This means the bridge will be reopened to vehicles over 7.5t 24-hours a day and will operate in ‘free-flow’ for the majority of this time.

To ensure the new system is robust and allow National Highways to carry out essential testing and safety audits, National Highways has confirmed it plans to introduce the system at the end of January 2027.

National Highways appreciates that this will have an impact on the freight industry and the wider community who have been most affected. National Highways can be contacted via email here. For further information, please see M48 Severn Bridge weight restriction.

Transport Scotland launched the Skills Challenge Fund 2026/27

Transport Scotland has officially launched the Skills Challenge Fund 2026/27, which is now open for applications. Organisations with an interest in skills development related to the transition to Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicles (ZE HDVs) are invited to apply for funding. This year’s fund will support practical projects that address one or more of the following objectives:

• Increasing awareness of the ZE HDV sector, including careers, roles and economic opportunities by improving understanding of the opportunities, skills needs and career pathways associated with the transition.
• Supporting people and organisations to develop skills for the ZE HDV transition by building knowledge, confidence, capability and practical skills among individuals, employers, training providers, regions and regional partners.
• Improving access to opportunities within the ZE HDV sector by reducing barriers to participation in training and employment through partnership working, inclusive approaches and innovative workforce development models.

Transport Scotland will host information sessions for prospective applicants from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on 4 August. Anyone interested in attending should contact Transport Scotland to register.

Logistics UK response to consultation on Strategic Charging Infrastructure (SCI) Scheme

The Department for Transport’s Strategic Charging Infrastructure (SCI) Scheme consultation, which closed on 28 July, sought views on how to plan and deliver the charging infrastructure needed to support the transition to zero-emission HGVs, including site selection and grid capacity access.

Logistics UK’s response pressed for eHGV-specific demand to be clearly disaggregated from other electricity users in planning and capacity allocation decisions, ensuring the sector’s distinct charging needs, including the 32 TWh of annual demand eHGV charging is projected to generate are properly reflected in infrastructure rollout.

Members can view the response in full here.

Carriage of lithium batteries briefing note

Within today’s society, lithium batteries are in most things we use, from car key remote to electricity storage facilities in solar farms. When lithium batteries are transported by road they fall into scope of ADR (rules on the transport of dangerous goods by road). Depending on the amount carried or the packaging that they are carried in, they could fall into an exemption and reduce the type of training the driver is required to have. The Logistics UK briefing note explores the exemptions and what they mean for operators and drivers.

National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has published its fortnightly freight crime intelligence bulletin which can be viewed here.

Logistics UK shortlisted in two major industry awards ceremonies

Logistics UK’s work during the past year has been recognised with shortlisted nominations in two major industry awards ceremonies. For the upcoming Memcom awards, which celebrate excellence in UK membership associations, the first Logistics UK annual conference has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Non Celebratory Event’ category, while Generation Logistics has been named in the shortlist for the ‘Education Campaign of the Year’, and the group’s Policy and Communications Directorate has been shortlisted in the ‘Team of the Year’ category for its work in representing and raising awareness of members’ interests. Meanwhile, Logistics UK has also been shortlisted in three categories in the Association Excellence Awards, which are open to international entries: Generation Logistics has been named on the shortlist for the ‘Best Campaign or Advancement of a Cause’ category, as well as for the ‘Campaign of the Year’, while the group’s President Phil Roe has been shortlisted as ‘Association Leader of the Year’. The Memcom awards take place in late September, while the Association Excellence presentations will be made at a ceremony in early November.

Logistics UK to consolidate its dangerous goods and aviation security training

Logistics UK has announced plans to consolidate its dangerous goods and aviation security training, currently provided through the Training Team brand, into its main logistics training website.

Following the acquisition of Training Team in 2017, Logistics UK has been delivering specialist multi-modal dangerous goods and aviation security training through individual websites. From the beginning of September, all training products and services currently offered through these websites, as well as the main Training Team brand, will be provided by Logistics UK through its dedicated training platform.

Logistics UK is contacting customers directly about the changes.

Month in review – July 2026

Electricity Infrastructure Transport Group and APPG for Freight and Logistics

Ben Garratt attended the inaugural meeting of the Electricity Infrastructure Transport Group, chaired by Keir Mather MP, Katie White MP and Chris McDonald MP, to discuss transport and logistics challenges associated with delivering major electricity infrastructure projects. Logistics UK had advocated for the group’s creation and played a key role in facilitating its establishment, helping to bridge the gap between infrastructure capacity constraints and decarbonisation ambitions.

This month Ben Fletcher also joined colleagues from across the logistics sector for a discussion during Net Zero Week in Parliament organised by the APPG for Freight and Logistics. The roundtable provided an important forum to discuss the practical realities of the transition, from infrastructure and energy supply to fleet investment, planning reform and the role of modal shift.

Visit to Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park

Ben Fletcher joined Milton Keynes North MP, Chris Curtis and Logistics UK members Thalia Waste Management and SUEZ on a visit to Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park. Milton Keynes is a key hub of the UK’s £175 billion GVA logistics sector, with 4,500 people working in logistics roles across the area.

Our visit showcased how logistics underpins the circular economy, enabling waste collection, resource recovery and recycling on a huge scale. It was also a great opportunity to see first-hand the investment being made in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and the skilled workforce needed to support the transition to a lower-carbon future.

Northern Ireland

Ben Fletcher held an introductory meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure,
Liz Kimmins MLA, to discuss a range of issues affecting the logistics sector. Discussions covered rising fuel costs, Windsor Framework requirements, the introduction of maritime emissions trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the infrastructure and energy investment needed to support decarbonisation. The meeting also highlighted the opportunity to develop a dedicated Freight and Logistics Strategy for Northern Ireland. While in Northern Ireland, Ben also met with Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA, Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to discuss the critical role the logistics sector plays in the Northern Ireland economy.

In addition, Ben met with Stuart Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to discuss shared priorities relating to business, trade and economic growth. Logistics UK looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the NI Chamber, particularly in the lead up to the Northern Ireland Assembly election in May 2027.

Wales

Ben Fletcher visited Newport, South Wales, with Dan Thomas MS, Leader of the Opposition in the Senedd and Reform UK spokesperson, as part of Logistics UK’s Real Economy series. Hosted by Logistics UK member, Owens Group, the visit focused on opportunities to strengthen Wales’s freight and logistics network, including delivery of the Welsh Maritime and Logistics Plan, investment in key freight corridors, and tackling congestion around Newport, which continues to constrain economic growth and supply chain efficiency.

Multimodal and Road Transport Expo

This year, Logistics UK exhibited at both RTX and Multimodal, contributing to roundtables, panel discussions and stage presentations on key industry issues including trade, skills, multimodal decarbonisation, freight crime and driver health.

Support and advice

Misplaced tachograph card
Q) One of our drivers left their digital tachograph card in a vehicle driven the previous day, which is now on the road with another driver. Can they drive for a day using printouts until the card is returned?

A) No, a driver may only drive using vehicle unit printouts if their tachograph card is lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning. The issue must be reported immediately, after which they may drive for up to 15 calendar days using printouts.

Weight limits
Q) We have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution for one of our 26t vehicles using a road with an 18t weight limit. The vehicle was unladen and weighed well under 18t at the time. Can we appeal?

A) If the 18t weight limit sign is within a red circle, it is a mandatory restriction and must be obeyed. The limit applies to the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass, not its actual weight at the time. However, if the sign included an exemption such as “Except for Access” or “Except for Empty Vehicles,” and you can provide evidence that your vehicle met the exemption, you may have grounds to appeal.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.

Have your say

Logistics UK works to ensure the voice of the logistics industry is heard by government and decision-makers. By taking part in our surveys, members provide the evidence and insight that help shape policy discussions, consultation responses and industry campaigns.

Logistics Performance Tracker Q2

Logistics UK has launched its new quarterly Logistics Performance Tracker Q2 2026 survey.

This is a short, confidential survey designed to gather insights into the real-world performance, challenges and opportunities across the UK logistics sector.

Along with our baseline indicators on economic outlook and supply chain performance, this quarter, questions focus on the regulation of electric vehicles and how it is impacting industry.

Responses are used to inform Logistics UK’s policy work and support engagement with government and senior stakeholders.

Share your views here