Logistics UK responds to Road Investment Strategy advice

Wednesday 05 April 2023

Following advice published by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) regarding the Road Investment Strategy, Jonathan Walker – Logistics UK’s Head of Cities & Infrastructure Policy – comments:

“In the view of Logistics UK, advice published today (05 April) by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) regarding the Road Investment Strategy, should serve as a catalyst for government to prioritise investment in the road network that enables more efficient and effective movement of freight, as well as infrastructure to support the logistics industry’s transition to Net Zero.

“While public finances are under pressure, meaning difficult decisions need to be made, the cost of not investing in the nation’s infrastructure is significant. Logistics, which relies on an efficient, functioning roads network, contributes £139 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy and directly effects every sector. Following ongoing conversations with the (NIC), our members are reassured that the NIC advice recognises the importance of freight and the need to better connect our cities, regions and key logistics hubs. It is essential that the role freight plays in the UK’s economy is expanded upon in the National Infrastructure Assessment later this year.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.