Rail freight

14.02.14

Freight challenges set out to 2035 by CILT

Strategic national direction is needed to meet challenges facing the future growth of the UK’s logistics capability, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has urged.

A new report, UK Freight Planning to 2035, examines these challenges and calls for planning for freight hubs to be made a national priority. All major distribution parks should be planned with a presumption of rail connections, and planning for infrastructure considered to be of national importance to the UK should take precedence over local agendas, the report recommends.

But the UK must also work to ensure regional and national policy developments are aligned.

CILT chief executive Steve Agg said: “The UK is already congested and we cannot rely on market-driven solutions alone, we need direct policy input to facilitate engagement. This is about giving industry the confidence to invest to serve supply chains and meet the needs of local communities and national interests.”

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]

Comments

Nonsuchmike   19/02/2014 at 13:40

Well, it's a step, some would say a major step, in advancing the case for rail freight distribution to centres where products are most needed. However, all major forward thinking plans need a framework, and the case for substantial investment for a future rail infrastructure is not put strongly enough. And so much is old thinking re-hached.

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