Freight transport - eighth report of session 2007-08 - report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

This report looks at the government's approach to freight transport. Regarding freight and logistics, the government believes the primary responsibility for the flow of goods rests with the private sector, except where the government has responsibility for the provision of funding or network infrastructure, or if there is a demonstrable need for a long term strategic planning framework or if the market fails to capture its own externalities such as adverse impacts on the environment, safety or congestion. The five main elements of the freight strategy are investing in network and IT infrastructure; regulating proportionately to minimise red tape; increasing compliance with regulations; ensuring a long term planning framework reflecting the needs of industry and the overall public interest; and maximising appropriate behavioural change. Road freight has increased significantly since 1980 while other forms have decreased, or form only a small proportion of freight movement. An integrated freight strategy is deemed to be essential; the transport committee felt a greater level of government intervention was required to support and develop the provision of an effective freight transportation system both within the UK and to and from the UK. By providing strategy information, it was felt the government would succeed in increasing the confidence of potential investors in freight infrastructure.

• Corporate Authors:

  TSO (THE STATIONERY OFFICE)

  123 KINGSWAY
  LONDON,   United Kingdom  WC2B 6PQ

  House of Committee, Transport Committee

  ,    
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 269p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Federal government; Freight transportation; Highway transportation; Legislation; Logistics; Planning; Policy
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1112: Freight transport; 183: Government (national); 1556: Legislation; 264: Logistics; 143: Planning; 173: Policy; 1142: Road transport; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Law; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01113805
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 27 2008 12:35PM