The transport industry says the government needs to act urgently if it wants to maintain the UK's economic prosperity in the coming years. This week, the Department for Transport (DfT) published its response to last year's Eddington Report and outlined its plans for the period 2013/14 and beyond, in the discussion paper Towards a sustainable transport system.
Both the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the government's adoption of Eddington's
recommendations, but are concerned that there is not sufficient urgency to tackle immediate problems. James Hookham, policy director at the FTA, says: "The government is on the same page as us, but pace will be the issue and that will be dictated by available funding and the planning process we have to fight longer and harder for our fair share."
RHA chief executive Roger King adds: "We question whether there is sufficient speed to address a growing problem." Although the report contains very little that is freight specific, it does make several points:
The government must make better use of the existing road network through schemes such as hard-shoulder running, and possible restrictions on goods vehicles to one lane of certain roads
Rail corridors to and from ports need to be improved - four schemes will receive funding.
Local trials of congestion charging will continue, with Bristol due to announce its plans next year.
More lorry parking needs
to be built for safety and security.
