Joined up thinking a must for transport – for all UK cities

“Transport rules and regulations should be the same across all UK cities when it comes to delivering goods” is the message from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) today, following the announcement by the Chancellor that big cities are to be offered devolution over transport.

Christopher Snelling – FTA Head of Urban Logistics and Regional Policy said:

“Government and proposed new authorities should ensure that operators of freight do not have to face differing rules and regulations in order to deliver goods in different cities.”

In his first post-election speech George Osborne has set out plans for English cities to get powers over housing, healthcare, transport, planning and policing.

Greater Manchester – which will take on the powers when electing a mayor in two years – should become a blueprint for other large cities.

Mr Snelling added:

“FTA has concerns over the future role of elected Mayors in these authorities. Personality politics can lead to actions led by political image concerns rather than good policy making processes.”

Snelling concluded:

“Funding to improve transport within our cities is vital and any commitment in that direction is welcomed by FTA. Cities rely on thousands of tonnes of freight brought every single day to continue to function. The more efficiently it moves, the more you reduce the cost of living or of doing business.”

A Cities Devolution Bill will be in the Queen’s Speech later this month.