25.08.15
Transport for the North to deliver freight strategy
Transport for the North (TfN) is to create the UK’s first pan-regional freight and logistics strategy, designed to create an integrated transport sector for the region while driving growth and jobs.
Mott MacDonald and MDS Transmodal have been appointed to drive forward the strategy’s development. The specialists will help determine the size, role and likely growth potential of the freight and logistics industry in the north.
The Northern Freight & Logistics Strategy will form part of the updated Northern Transport Strategy, to be presented to the chancellor by the 2016 Budget.
According to TfN, a partnership between the northern city region authorities, government and the national transport agencies, once baseline studies have been carried out the partner consultancies will work closely to develop “investment proposals” and “policy agenda”.
Merseytravel, the strategic transport advisor to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is TfN’s lead for freight. The organisation’s director general, David Brown, said: “This is the north doing things differently – the public and private sectors working together and looking holistically at what we can do to boost our freight and logistics potential.
“Despite the fact that up to 60% of containers entering the UK are destined for the midlands and the north, 90% arrive through southern ports. This needs to be rebalanced. An efficient, sustainable freight industry is of massive importance to economic growth, supporting countless industries.”
The updated strategy will outline plans for rail and highways as well as freight and logistics as part of TfN’s work to create a vibrant and connected northern economy. Also integral to these plans will be improving the international connectivity of northern air and sea ports, enhancing local transport connections, and creating a plan to develop an integrated, smart travel system for the north.
Eddie Mellor, head of Transport Planning North at Mott MacDonald, said: “We are delighted to be working with TfN and engaging with a wide range of public and private sector actors within the freight and logistics sector to draw together a cohesive and powerful strategy that supports the exciting economic prospects of the north.”
Earlier this year, the chancellor announced that £30m of funding was to be provided to TfN, as part of building the government’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’, to support its running costs and to enable the organisation to advance its work programme.