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Logistics UK responds to consultation on National Planning Policy Framework
Logistics industry needs consistency and commitment in order to thrive says Logistics UK's Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy.
If the country’s logistics industry is to provide the economy with the productivity and profitability boosts it is capable of driving, it is imperative that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is strengthened to recognise the needs of the sector which underpins all economic activity.
As the government’s consultation on the NPPF closed 24 September 2024, Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy at Logistics UK, said member businesses are urging government to take bold steps in how it views planning in the future, to make significant investment in infrastructure possible and change the way that projects are implemented moving forwards: “If the government is serious about getting the country building again, it is vital that the development of a National Freight Network is actioned, as the previous government’s Future of Freight plan committed to.
"This would identify the key routes and hubs for freight movements and establish how the transport and energy infrastructure must be developed and adapted to ensure the logistics sector can decarbonise effectively, and at pace.”
As Walker continues, one of the biggest areas of concern for the sector is a lack of consistency in planning, something which logistics needs if real changes are to be made in the way the country’s transport and logistics systems operate: “National and local planning need to operate together, not in isolation, if real changes are to be made to the way goods move across the country and across its borders.
“Planning for logistics should be front and centre of every development – from constructing new freight terminals to expanding the provision of lorry parking nationwide – and the services needed to support these projects should be considered holistically, not on a piecemeal basis which can lead to delays, confusion and frustration.
“The NPPF needs to be bold – and while it is positive that the government has increased the recognition of logistics in the revived NPPF, some of the recommendations do not go far enough if genuine change is to be created to benefit businesses and households nationwide.
"Logistics UK’s members are at the heart of all activity in the economy and stand ready to provide advice and assistance to government to ensure that the new framework is fit for purpose, not just in the short term but also to help drive longer-term change to the way the nation’s economy grows and thrives. We believe that effective logistics is the key which could unlock real benefits for the nation.”
Published On: 26/09/2024 11:15:35
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News In Brief
UPS breaks new ground providing Saturday Standard delivery
UPS has become the only carrier to offer Saturday Standard delivery for residential packages without a surcharge across eight leading European markets: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The change gives businesses of all sizes a reliable way to get packages to their customers on Saturdays, reaching over 130 million households across these leading markets.
“Through our new Saturday service, we’re giving greater flexibility to businesses, helping them improve their customer experience and grow in today’s market,” said UPS EMEAI President Daniel Carrera.
“It marks another step in our strategy to make logistics a competitive advantage for our customers by providing them with more options to ship than ever before.”
In many cases, this service expansion can improve time-in-transit and provides recipients with several additional options to schedule a delivery, including UPS My Choice.
The service will also tap into nearly 40,000 UPS Access Point locations such as neighbourhood corner shops with extended evening and weekend hours, giving customers the flexibility to pick up their parcels when it suits their schedule.
Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK's Head of Cities and Infrastructure commented: “Logistics is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the needs of modern consumers and customers alike.
“This is a great example of that responsiveness and should help to provide more flexibility and certainty for those who require weekend deliveries”
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