Following the announcement that a strategy is being launched to connect up the cities of the north, the Freight Transport Association has told Transport for North (TfN) not to waste the opportunity to improve freight transport connectivity across the country.

Described as plans to revolutionise travel in the north - the report sets out how the strategic road network could be enhanced through strategic planning, investment and technology, and better connections to ports, airports and key economic centres.  The plans are said to ‘slash’ journey times between major northern cities with investment in high speed rail and to develop new east-west road connections including a road tunnel under the Peak District.

Malcolm Bingham – FTA’s head of policy – North stated: “The North of England must not waste this opportunity to improve freight transport connectivity across the country.  The freight industry in the north has suffered from years of hesitation by planners and successive governments which has resulted in an over reliance on freight movement on the M62.”
 
Bingham added: “It is important that we identify the best modal choices for the logistics industry and ensure that we choose the road, rail and inland waterway options that will improve economic transport opportunities. FTA has been asking for these transport improvements to be addressed for far too long and we now look forward to taking these concepts forward in a Freight Strategy for the North of England.”
 
The report, including a new ‘TransNorth’ rail system and new road investments was unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and northern city leaders.