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Logistics UK responds to Trade Strategy call
Logistics UK has responded to the Department for Business and Trade’s call for views on the forthcoming Trade Strategy, highlighting that the logistics industry is vital to the UK economy and trade.
Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK said: “To restore sector confidence, member businesses need government to provide workable solutions that ensure certainty, stability, simplicity and affordability for the movement of goods.
“The logistics sector underpins the UK economy; there is no trade without it. Given its critical national importance, the case for government to create a dedicated “Minister for Logistics and Supply Chain" is clear. This is especially important in the face of increasing climate and geopolitical instability which could threaten our industry’s operations.
“The need to strengthen economic resilience makes border efficiency a high priority to ensure the smoothest possible movement of goods. The 2025 UK Border Strategy and the Single Trade Window must be delivered at pace to digitalise and streamline trade.
“With the EU being the UK's largest trading partner, government must work with our European neighbours on customs and border policies to find pragmatic solutions to assist the smooth flow of trade.
“In addition, it is imperative that efforts to secure a new comprehensive Veterinary Agreement are accelerated to ensure that UK EU trade can become as frictionless as possible.”
Published On: 23/01/2025 14:56:07
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News In Brief
New app aims to help London pub delivery drivers
The latest INRIX traffic scorecard found London to be Europe’s most congested city, with, on average, each driver sitting in traffic two per cent more in 2024 than 2023.
However, Neil Herron, founder and CEO of kerbside management company Grid Smarter Cities, says the capital is working hard to minimise the effect of congestion by leading on innovation pilots: “From my own experience, boroughs across the capital have been the keenest I’ve spoken to when it comes to trying clever technology, and London is certainly leading the way globally, recognising the potential in unlocking the value of the kerb.
“We’ve been involved in projects in six different boroughs. For example, Westminster is using our Kerb® management solution to enable delivery drivers to remotely reserve loading and unloading slots at physical loading bays, meaning they get surety of a space in advance. This reduces idling and search time and also allows them to park long enough to make onward deliveries by greener modes, such as by foot or cargo bike.
One of the beneficiaries of Virtual Loading Bays is the pub industry, which has experienced easier deliveries of its heavy loads. “The brewery logistics sector has key health and safety considerations when delivering to hospitality venues,” explained John Crosk, Chairman at The Brewery Logistics Group.
“To deliver beer to a pub we require at least three feet of space around the back of the vehicle. The Virtual Loading Bay booking capability helps our members with access, compliance and delivery certainty.”
The Kerb® suite comes with a driver-friendly app, online interface and dashboard for fleet managers, and is accompanied by an on-street e-ink sign.
Drivers can report rogue vehicles if the space they booked is occupied on arrival. They are then directed to a safe alternative location nearby, which means they can still deliver their goods safely and on time to their end destination.
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