Analysis by Transport for the North (TfN) shows that the North’s freight and logistics sector could be worth more than £30 billion and employ more than 500,000 people by 2050.
The region undoubtedly plays a significant role in UK transport and logistics. TfN notes that over a third of goods in the UK enter through northern ports. Additionally, its data shows that over a quarter of GB freight starts and over a quarter ends in northern England.
A new Freight and Logistics Strategy, launched by TfN, seeks to optimise growth so that this industry in the North can reach its potential. The strategy relies on investment, decarbonisation, and effective implementation of policy.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Vice Chair of Transport for the North and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The Freight and Logistics Strategy sets out clear objectives to accelerate investment that would best support the strengthening of the North’s economy. Crucially, it also seeks to set out how Transport for the North can support the freight and logistics sector to decarbonise.”
Some objectives of the strategy include reducing congestion and unplanned closures to major roads, enhancing the energy efficiency of transport in the North, and improving multimodal connectivity across the North in all directions.
