The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has renewed its request for a Freight Commissioner for London, in order to ensure the city can continue to trade effectively
FTA, which represents more than 16,000 businesses transporting goods and services across the UK and Europe, says there is a crucial need for a strong voice to champion freight transport, following the success of the new Commissioner for Walking and Cycling. In its response to the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, FTA reiterated its joint call (with the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry) for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to make the appointment of a Freight Commissioner a priority and help to support London’s businesses through the uncertainty of Brexit.
According to the FTA, a Freight Commissioner, working directly under the Mayor, would help to ensure the effective implementation of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy freight recommendations and develop a long term operational plan for the sector.
Natalie Chapman, Head of Policy for London at FTA, said: “London’s population is set to grow from 8.6 million to an estimated ten million people by 2030.
“This rapidly growing city already depends on reliable and efficient logistics to deliver food, clothes, documents, medicines, building and construction materials and keep life moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Freight is the cog around which the whole City turns – without it, London will struggle to grow further.
“London’s prosperity is built on the successful movement of goods as well as people. From home shopping deliveries, to construction materials for new houses and office blocks, every resident and business relies on the logistics industry to provide the goods and services they need. And the waste left behind must be cleared up before another day begins.
“The logistics required to keep London moving are becoming increasingly complex, and need to be prioritised. Operators have made huge strides in improving the efficiency of deliveries and servicing the capital, in co-operation with the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL), to reduce emissions and improve safety. As London’s economy reinforces its position at the heart of 21st century Britain, its freight businesses urgently need – and deserve – a champion who can ensure they are supported in providing the high-quality and reliable service Londoners have come to expect. They deserve the support of a dedicated, distinctive voice that a Freight Commissioner would provide.”
Every year more than 130million tonnes of freight are moved in and out of London by road alone, with movements by rail and water also vitally important. 3% of the capital’s workforce, equating to around 230,000 people, is employed in the logistics sector.
