A new report out this week highlights the potential for the North’s freight and logistics sector to make a significant contribution to the overall economy with a forecast potential £35 billion worth of benefits to the Northern Powerhouse by 2060.
The Northern Freight and Logistics Report which was prepared by Mott Macdonald and MDS Transmodal on behalf of Transport for the North, makes recommendations to support the reduction of the cost of freight transport, expand the global market share for the North in the logistics sector and attract inward private investment into the Northern Powerhouse and UK as a whole.
It recommends Increasing network capacity for freight to, from and within the North on railways and waterways
Addressing pinch-points on the road network, particularly considering the pivotal role played by the M62 and developing strategically located freight interchanges/distribution centres the so called Multimodal Distribution Parks which are well connected by rail and/or waterways.
John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North, said: “This is an important report both for the private sector and for local and central government, with a range of practical suggested interventions to help create a step change in the Northern economy. We will be carefully considering these recommendations as we prepare our Strategic Transport Plan, which will be released next year.”
Following the publication of this report, Transport for the North will now begin identifying recommendations for short and medium-long term strategic investments, through the Strategic Transport Plan, which will also be supported by a wider International Connectivity Report to be released later this year.
