FTA report finds road investment should be priority for Government

Investment in road improvements should be a priority for the new Government according to the Logistics Report 2015 – the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA’s) analysis of the ideas, news and views that shaped the transport and logistics industry in the last 12 months.

Launched at the Microlise Transport Conference in Coventry today (20 May), by FTA’s Chief Executive David Wells – the 2015 Logistics Report outlines the significant economic, business, political, safety and environment, skills and training issues that have affected the transport and logistics sector in the past year.

Respondents to the FTA Logistics Industry Survey 2014/15 rated priorities for the Government which are outlined in the latest Logistics Report. The highest perceived priorities included investment in road improvements, recognising the vital role of logistics in the economy and cutting fuel duty.

FTA Chief Executive, David Wells commented:
“The new Government will have to make significant decisions – and quickly – over our infrastructure and transport policies. FTA’s message to Government is: ignore the needs of logistics at your peril. From the factory floor to the kitchen table, it is logistics that will deliver sustainable growth.”

FTA’s Logistics Report is produced annually, and explores the influences that businesses should take into account as they deliberate, plan and invest for the future.

The Report also reflects the increases in e-commerce which is the fastest growing retail market in Europe. UK logistics faces immense challenges in anticipating the level of demand for deliveries generated by online shopping.

In addition, the FTA document looks at the outlook for the global economy, and reported that at home, there is lower business confidence beyond the immediate planning horizon, as uncertainty over future economic policies and the domestic impact of the EU membership debate and worldwide political crises temper optimism.

Mr Wells concluded:
“At such a crossroads for our national finances and society, the FTA Logistics Report provides a timely and essential analysis of the short and long-term health of a major enabler of our economy and lifestyle – logistics.”

Representing FTA David Wells spoke to the audience of around 1,000 delegates at the Microlise Transport Conference at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, when he focussed on issues that the logistics sector face on a day-to-day basis, and how collaboration is at the heart of industry success moving forward.