The government’s 92-page plan to create a more joined-up transport network and make journeys better for everyone makes barely any mention of freight.
The Department for Transport said there will be more than 40 fully-funded commitments in its Better Connected national transport strategy, which are designed to make everyday journeys simpler, easier to pay for and more reliable from door to door.
The report said it laid out the government’s vision for transport and that a separate strategy for freight would be published later on in 2026.
But Logistics UK said the decision to leave out freight ignored what it had requested from ministers.
“In recent discussions with government, Logistics UK urged officials to recognise the interdependent nature of the country’s freight and transport networks and to include freight within its final strategy,” said Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK chief executive.
“The decision to produce a separate freight plan will delay any changes which will benefit our sector, and so it is vital that this new plan is delivered at pace with clear delivery milestones.
“The logistics sector is an essential user of the transport network and its role in underpinning supply chains across all UK industries and enabling economic growth must be reflected in the government’s long-term vision for how transport is designed and delivered.
“Our members are keen to help deliver the growth agenda the country needs but to do that will need a functioning, effective transport network.”
