CILT welcomes Chancellor's transport investment plans

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT) has welcomed the Chancellor's announcements of increased investment in road and rail infrastructure contained in the Autumn Statement.

CILT says that measures to bolster both transport and logistics facilities will aid economic growth and increase the efficiency of the country.

CILT, a member of the task-force which produced the Review, has also welcomed publication of the Logistics Growth Review.

You can read the Logistics Growth Review here

CILT Chief Executive Steve Agg said: “Recent years have seen an increased recognition of the absolute importance of the transport and logistics sector to both the health of the economy and the needs of the population.

“It is common sense to create an infrastructure and operating environment suitable for maximum efficiency and convenience, at minimum cost.

“That means, as far as possible, reducing congestion on both road and rail by providing the infrastructure to tackle congestion, remove bottlenecks, and provide our world-standard smart logistics sector with facilities enabling it to become even smarter.”

CILT welcomes the broad range of transport schemes laid out in the National Infrastructure Plan, which includes 500 projects over the next decade, including 35 new road and rail projects.

Agg added: "The news relating to rail developments in the Midlands and London are important for freight and passengers. CILT is pleased the Chancellor recognises the importance of new rail links, particularly that between Oxford and Milton Keynes, potentially creating up to 12,000 jobs. And the decision to cap rail fares at RPI + 1 per cent will bring some partial respite to hard-pressed rail travellers in January."

He also said that the continuity of policies and investment designed to improve transport operations must be maintained in order to benefit both the economy and the daily lifestyle of individuals throughout the UK.

The Logistics Growth Review outlined a series of practical measures which, when put into operation, will help to maximise the efficiency of the sector.

Agg said: “The Government should be congratulated for its initiative in establishing the project and crystallising the range of actions required in order to achieve progress in the operation of the logistics sector.

“The Logistics Growth Review is a genuine and worthwhile attempt to identify barriers to efficient operation and, as far as possible, reducing or removing them.

“Of particular importance are the investment plans published in the National Infrastructure Plan and the enhancement of the Strategic Rail Freight Network which will increase rail freight and reduce lorry miles.

“The logistics industry is a 'can-do' sector which, if released from operational strictures, and provided with adequate investment, will play a key role in UK competitiveness and the economic growth of our country.”