01.06.15
Transport for the North calls on business to help produce freight strategy
Transport for the North (TfN) is calling for businesses to contribute to the development of a Northern Freight and Logistics Strategy.
The body, set up to transform connectivity across the north of England and drive economic growth, has issued a tender inviting businesses to assist in the development of a multi-modal freight and logistics strategy. This plan will inform future development of transport investment plans and capture economic value added by freight in the north.
Scheduled to be published in 2016, the strategy is the first step on the way to realising TfN’s vision of a vibrant and connected Northern economy, as laid out in their previous report on The Northern Powerhouse.
Freight plays a major role in the economy, accounting for 9% of the country’s GDP and supporting countless industries. However, 90% of containers currently enter the UK through southern ports – despite up to 60% being destined for the Midlands and the north.
The work will feed into TfN’s overall vision, and will be required to deliver a system which will help even out north-south inequalities and increase the value of exports across the region.
It will also be required to offer sustainable freight movements, and to facilitate ongoing economic growth while supporting carbon reduction.
David Brown, director general of Merseytravel, who sits on the TfN Executive Board and is responsible for freight, said: “This marks an important step forward in delivering our vision of a north which acts as a magnet for inward investment, and capitalises on the combined strengths of its towns and cities.
“TfN is looking for a partner to map out a strategy which will support northern business, increase the value of exports across the North and ultimately unlock the economic potential of our region.”
TfN was set up by the government in October 2014. It is a partnership between the northern city region authorities, government and the national transport agencies.
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