UK government must provide better support to the logistics sector in order to make it more efficient, according to the Freight Transport Association at the launch of its FTA Logistics Manifesto 2015.
Launched at the CV Show, the FTA Logistics Manifesto 2015 sets-out the priorities to deliver economic growth, improve safety and reduce pollution. The Manifesto states that the government must improve its understanding of how the logistics sector operates and that it must work with the industry in order to improve efficiency, safety and to reduce the environmental footprint.
Karen Dee, FTA director of policy said: “Logistics underpins every aspect of modern life. It is utterly indispensable to the working of our home lives, our businesses, our schools and hospitals – everything. We can make logistics more efficient, but we need better support from the Government. This doesn’t need to come with a huge price tag, but it does need greater understanding of the way we really operate and how Government can work with us to achieve its own aims.”
FTA’s Logistics Manifesto Policy Top 10 are:
- Recognise the logistics sector’s essential status
- Reduce fuel duty for commercial vehicles
- Provide support for industry’s skills development programme
- Invest in national transport infrastructure
- Encourage and enable private sector investment in transport
- Commit to a plan for increased hub aviation capacity and preserve current access to night flights
- Ensure regulatory systems are fit for 21st century logistics
- Partner with industry to develop a programme which addresses both the carbon and air quality challenges
- Support the uptake of environment-friendly freight
- Help towns and cities develop transport plans which deliver economically vibrant, safe and attractive places.
The FTA Manifesto has been sent to prospective parliamentary candidates for their consideration during the election campaign.
Figures released by the FTA showed a two per cent increase in membership for 2014, with seven per cent growth in available services.
Ian Veitch, FTA president, said: “2014 was a year in which the fortunes of FTA markedly improved, the prospects for a healthy future were put in place and the Association reflects on its achievements and heritage on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.”