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Logistics UK responds as chancellor vows to cut red tape in Plan for Change
The Chancellor of the Exchequer published an action plan to cut red tape as part of the government’s Plan for Change on 17 March. This includes actions to tackle complexity and the burden of regulation, reduce uncertainty across the regulatory system, and challenge and shift excessive risk aversion.
The plan is in addition to 60 measures to be undertaken by regulators with the aim of making it easier to do business in the UK, and to support the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut administration costs for businesses by a quarter.
Measures relevant to the logistics sector, some of which have been announced before, include:
- Streamlining Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) by easing environmental permit and licence requirements for low-risk activities within the planning process.
- Appointing a single lead environmental regulator for major projects, which could be first tested on the Lower Thames Crossing project and Heathrow expansion, subject to the planning process.
- Reforming the system of statutory consultees, to make clear that they should be focused on growth. There will also be a consultation on the impact of removing some statutory consultees.
- Streamlining the duties of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as part of the government’s rail reform. In response to the Railways Bill consultation, we will be seeking reassurance that this will not lead to rail freight being squeezed off the network.
- The ORR taking measures to encourage direct investment into railway infrastructure.
- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) establishing a UK Airspace Design Support Fund and, by September, working with the DfT to consult on a package of changes to the process for making airspace design decisions more proportionate.
- The CAA enabling at least two further and larger scale beyond visual line of sight drone trial operations by the end of 2025. In addition, the CAA will launch an initial implementation of the UK’s Drone Market Surveillance Authority, streamlining the process for companies to manufacture and identify drones that are able to pass required safety criteria.
- The CAA concluding the first stage of a digital professional pilot licensing service to make it quicker and easier for pilots to get and retain their licences.
- The CAA expanding its sandbox safe trial activity for hydrogen propulsion to help inform the regulatory framework for this technology and encourage investment.
Logistics UK’s Deputy Director – Policy Michelle Gardner said: “Logistics UK and its members welcome any measure the government undertakes that will enable logistics to operate more efficiently and easily. This is essential to unleash the power of logistics in the UK and promote growth in the economy.
“All of the measures detailed will hopefully streamline processes and help promote an effective supply chain which is vital to keep Britain trading.”
The Chancellor also announced on 19 March that clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and transport are to be the new strategic priorities for the National Wealth Fund. The statement of strategic priorities outlines that money will be invested across the UK in projects like carbon capture, green hydrogen, gigafactories, green steel and ports.
See the action plan here.
Published On: 27/03/2025 15:00:25
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News In Brief
Heidi Alexander announces new Senior Traffic Controller
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander has appointed Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner, effective from 1 June 2025.
In his role as Senior Traffic Commissioner, Kevin will oversee the work of the Traffic Commissioners, who are responsible for regulating the road transport industry across the UK, with specific oversight of public service vehicles (such as buses and coaches), freight operators, and drivers.
Kevin takes on the Senior Traffic Commissioner from his current position as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England and brings extensive knowledge from his experience at the Vehicle Inspectorate and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
In these roles, he managed the introduction of the first MOT emission tests, diesel smoke tests and led the programme to upgrade VOSA’s enforcement processes, alongside working as a road safety consultant to new EU member states.
As the role of Senior Traffic Commissioner must be held by a serving Traffic Commissioner, Kevin will retain his role as West of England Traffic Commissioner alongside his new position. Kevin is hoping to continue the excellent work done by his predecessor, Richard Turfitt, to improve and develop the Traffic Commissioner service.
Alexander said: "I’m delighted to confirm Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner. He arrives with a wealth of experience from his time as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England and we’re all excited to see him build on the fantastic work of his predecessor, Richard Turfitt. I’d like to extend my thanks to Richard for his two full terms of service in the role, during which he has seen the team through the difficult pandemic period, and wish him the very best for the future, as he returns to his vital role as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England."
Rooney said: "It is a great privilege to be appointed as Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain. I want to pay tribute to Richard Turfitt and the work he has done as Senior Traffic Commissioner for the past eight years.
"Arguably, he led the commissioners through some of the toughest times we have seen during the pandemic, making quick decisions to keep the haulage and passenger industries working compliantly and to facilitate service recovery thereafter. Following in his footsteps will not be easy, but I look forward to that challenge, working equally closely with those who support commissioners and those we serve."
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