Freight News, Road

Chancellor announces lorry park for Kent – updated

[ November 25, 2015   //   Chris ]

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the £250m worth of funds for new logistics facilities in Kent to solve problems caused by Operation Stack, including a new permanent lorry park, announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement today (25 November). The Government will consult on a preferred site at Stanford and other alternatives in the near future.

However, FTA director of policy, Karen Dee warned that the 37% cut in the Department for Transport budget announced at the same time would also put at risk important areas such as the Mode Shift Revenue Support Grant, which helps to encourage freight onto rail, and spending on enforcement activities.

The British International Freight Association welcomed the Chancellor’s planned 50% increase in transport capital spending to £61 billion, including the largest road investment programme since the 1970s. The lack of investment in roads had undermed the UK’s competitiveness, said director general, Robert Keen. He added: “We are now hopeful that talk of infrastructure investment will cease to be just talk and we will see some spades in the ground.
“BIFA Members that use the Cross Channel services will also be pleased at the news that £250m will be spent on facilities in Kent to relieve the pressure on roads in Kent created when Operation Stack is in place.”
However, BIFA members would be disappointed that Mr Osborne did not cut fuel duty.
BIFA would also be looking closely at where the 37% cuts in the Department for Transport’s operational budget will fall.