FTA urges Cameron to give logistics "the attention it deserves"

The Freight Transport Association is urging Prime Minister David Cameron and his new Government to recognise the importance of logistics.

The FTA says the industry is crucial to keeping the people of Britain supplied with essential goods they need, adding that to overlook its needs would be failing the industry and the economy.  It says the new Government will have a “real challenge” ahead in ensuring the economy can continue to recover, stating that logistics has a key role to play in this.

Director of Policy, Karen Dee, said: “Mr Cameron’s new Government needs to ensure that logistics is given the attention it deserves.  Its policies must ensure the industry can be as efficient and effective as possible in support of businesses and consumers in the UK.  FTA is the leading trade association representing the operators and customers of all modes of freight transport – road, rail, water and air.  Our objective is to ensure that the UK has a safe, efficient and sustainable supply chain, and we sincerely hope that the new Government will support us in these goals.”

In its Logistics Manifesto 2015, FTA said that the freight industry requires better support from Government, and set out key issues which need addressing– including a cut in fuel duty; addressing skills shortages and recruiting professional drivers; and ensuring UK’s infrastructure networks (including airport capacity) are capable of meeting freight needs.

FTA is writing to members of the new Government requesting the opportunity to discuss issues outlined in its Logistics Manifesto, and its wider ambitions for UK logistics.