Logistics UK shares Transport Committee's disappointment

Friday 23 June 2023

Logistics UK shares the Transport Committee’s disappointment regarding government’s response to the Fuelling the Future report.  

Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy at Logistics UK comments: “While government’s response did note it would publish a Low Carbon Fuels (LCFs) Strategy, something Logistics UK has been consistently calling for, this strategy is now over six months late. Logistics businesses are seeking urgent clarity on how widely government will support the use of LCFs across all modes of transport, and what mechanisms will be deployed to address the cost, supply and infrastructure challenges for LCFs in the short and long-term.” 

In its response, government states that the strategy will set out a vision for the deployment of LCFs across transport modes up to 2050 and that its goal is zero exhaust emissions, as opposed to an alternative approach to net zero looking at the whole energy lifecycle.  

Ms Gardner continues: “Government’s response creates many questions surrounding the role of LFCs in decarbonisation and whether they will be properly backed as a transitional technology, and if they will have a long-term future. In addition, with government placing significant emphasis on the use of battery electric technology and zero tailpipe emissions for road transport, it is essential that the challenges currently faced by the sector – in relation to private and public charging infrastructure, as well as the increased costs of acquisition – are urgently addressed. It is also vital that the Zero Emission Road Freight demonstrator is progressed as soon as possible.” 

Decarbonisation is a key priority across all sectors of industry and Logistics UK will continue to engage with members and government throughout the transition to a greener economy, including via its upcoming parliamentary roundtable to be hosted by Greg Smith MP. 

 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.