FTA says logistics can help government deliver growth

FTA says logistics can help new governments deliver better in Scotland and Wales.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the newly-elected Welsh and Scottish Government would see economic growth by working closely with the freight and logistics industry.

The FTA congratulated Nicola Sturgeon on the re-election of the SNP Scottish Government and all new members of the Scottish Parliament.

The FTA said the new Scottish Government can deliver some “quick wins” for a cleaner safer and more efficient Scotland, by working closely with the freight and logistics industry.

FTA’s Head of Policy for Scotland Chris MacRae commented: “FTA believes there are three key areas from a freight and logistics perspective that the new Scottish Government should tackle immediately to help make Scotland a better place to live and work.”

The FTA have suggested improvements to the resilience of key transport infrastructure such as the Forth Road Crossing, reflecting on the problems caused by  last year’s closure due to structural problems. The bridge was closed to HGV’s for weeks over Christmas while repairs took place, adding extra time and cost for operators at the busiest time of year.

They also suggested developing routes including M8/M80/M74, A9, A96, Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, A1 to the English border and the A82, and investment in East Coast Main Line loading gauge, for bigger containers to the Scottish central belt to facilitate rail freight development.

The third is to support out-of-hours urban freight deliveries, with attendant benefits for congestion, safety and the environment.

The FTA today extended its congratulations to the Labour Party on its successful election, and also to all those elected to the new National Assembly for Wales.

Ian Gallagher, FTA’s Head of Policy for Wales, said the Government should first introduce free-flowing tolling on the Severn Crossings to reduce pollution and delays, followed by a price reduction or abolition of the toll when the crossing returns to public ownership in 2018. This will reduce the tax on Welsh businesses trying to trade with English customers.

He also suggested improved road infrastructure, especially the M4 and A55, and an increase in support for utlitising rail freight and alternative fuels for lorries and vans.

Mr Gallagher commented: “The Government must remember how crucial logistics is to Wales.  The country requires 250,000 tonnes of goods delivered every day by lorry just to keep functioning and to trade with the outside world – and even more is carried by trains, ships and vans.”

 

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