‘Freight commissioner’ for London needed: FTA
There is an urgent need for a strong voice to champion freight transport, following the success of the new commissioner for walking and cycling, said the transport association.
Responding to London mayor Sadiq Khan’s Transport Strategy, FTA head of policy for London Natalie Chapman said: “London's population is set to grow from 8.6M to an estimated 10M people by 2030.
“This rapidly growing city already depends on reliable and efficient logistics to deliver food, clothes, documents, medicines, building and construction materials and keep life moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Freight is the cog around which the whole city turns – without it, London will struggle to grow further.”
‘Freight is the cog around which the whole city turns’
The logistics required to keep London moving were becoming increasingly complex, and needed to be prioritised, she added.
Operators have already made huge strides in improving the efficiency of deliveries and servicing the capital, while cutting emissions and improving safety, it was claimed.
“As London’s economy reinforces its position at the heart of 21st century Britain, its freight businesses urgently need – and deserve - a champion who can ensure they are supported in providing the high-quality and reliable service Londoners have come to expect,” said Chapman.
“They deserve the support of a dedicated, distinctive voice that a Freight Commissioner would provide.”
130Mt of freight moved in and out of London
Every year more than 130Mt of freight were moved in and out of London by road alone, with movements by rail and water also vitally important. Up to 3% of the capital’s workforce, amounting to about 230,000 people, are employed in the logistics sector.
“Also with many thousands more businesses depend on the successful movement of goods in and out of the city every day,” said Chapman.
The appointment of a freight commissioner would also help to support London’s businesses through the uncertainty of Brexit, argued the FTA.
Meanwhile, the FTA represents more than 16,000 businesses transporting goods and services across the UK and Europe.
