Transport Secretary renews focus on freight

A new environmentally friendly approach to transporting freight was announced today, as Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon published a blueprint for working with and supporting the industry.

With Britain's freight doubling over the last forty years, the Government is looking at the effectiveness of the current system and the most efficient way to transport goods.

Geoff Hoon said: "We have a world-leading freight industry, which contributes significantly to the economy of this country whether by road, rail, water or air. I want to make sure that we keep Britain moving, mindful of our natural environment.

"I want to work closely with freight stakeholders so we remain competitive. That is why I am publishing this document today and I look forward to seeing greater cooperation to reduce congestion and increase capacity on our networks."

This new approach for freight comes on top of the £67 million already committed to cutting freight costs and emissions, which includes projects such as the Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) programme, which has recently trained its 10,000th van driver.

Over £330 million was also announced last month to allow more freight on the East Coast Mainline and North London Line, reducing congestion and delays for both freight and high speed passenger services.

Today's document 'Logistics Perspective' concludes that:

Freight is key to the competitiveness of the UK economy.

If funding is properly directed, reliability can improve dramatically with reduced levels of congestion and lower emissions.

Government and industry will need to continue working together to understand the impact freight has on the environment as well as noise and accident levels.

Driver training has an important part to play in improving emission levels.

The document also recognises the benefits of finding ways to reduce the impact of freight in urban areas, cutting congestion and noise pollution. It also considers the distribution of freight around the country and where traffic levels are likely to increase in future. Understanding this gives transport planners the knowledge base to make sure routes and modes are used as effectively and efficiently as possible for both freight providers and the public.

The Department for Transport is also beginning a study into the length of articulated lorries (semi-trailers). The research will look at whether a small increase of up to 2 metres in length would reduce congestion on the roads, due to fewer vehicles needed to transport lighter freight between their source and major distribution centres.