London needs a dedicated freight commissioner to meet the growing logistical demands of the capital, according to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The organisation said that while it supports London mayor Sadiq Khan's plans to tackle congestion and air quality in the city, they need to be complemented with work to support London's growth.
The capital's population is predicted to grow from 8.6 million to 10 million by 2030, which the LCCI said creates a need for attention when it comes to goods deliveries. Keeping the city supplied "doesn't just magically happen", it said.
TfL does not currently have a dedicated freight department; it was integrated into day-to-day operations last year.
Natalie Chapman, deputy chair of the LCCI's Transport Committee and head of policy for London, said:
“We are looking at a rapidly expanding population in London, which means not only do all these people need to be able to move about but they also require access to all the essential goods and services they want and need.
"People living in and visiting London expect to be able to buy their morning coffee, visit the shops and find everything they want in stock and also have a wide restaurant choice.
“This doesn’t just magically happen. Shops and restaurants have to be supplied and stocked and that means freight and logistics have to be properly co-ordinated.”
