FTA welcomes 'fair deal for logistics'

Key transport projects which the Freight Transport Association (FTA) highlighted as vital trade routes in need of protection from spending cuts have been saved, it was announced yesterday.

Of the nine motorway and trunk road schemes that the Department for Transport has spared from the axe, six of which were identified by FTA as key priorities that are essential to the UK's economic future.

James Hookham, FTA's MD of Policy and Communications, said: “In the run up to these announcements, FTA has been pushing the point that these transport schemes are not an optional extra, but an essential ingredient for future growth. Mr Hammond's acknowledgement of transport as a key driver for such growth is very welcome as are his announcements to save priority trade routes.”

In its detailed Comprehensive Spending Review submission and in its regular meetings with transport ministers, FTA identified various priority projects that needed safeguarding, including those on the M1, the Birmingham Box on the M6, the M25 and the M62.

Hookham concluded: “We do, however, remain concerned that the Strategic Freight Network has yet to be mentioned in any form by the government, with a potential delay announcing its future possible until next Spring when the McNulty Value for Money study is published.”

Schemes given green light:

M60 Junctions 8-12
M1 Junctions 32-35a
M60 Junctions 12-15
M1 Junctions 39-42
M62 Junctions 18-20
M25 Junctions 5-6/7
M25 Junctions 23-27
M6 Junctions 5-8
A556 Knutsford-Bowdon