The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is renewing its call for a freight commissioner for London to ensure the city can keep trading effectively.
The association says there is an “urgent need for a strong voice to champion freight transport, following the success of the new commissioner for walking and cycling”.
In its response to the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, it calls for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to make the appointment a priority and help to support London’s businesses through the uncertainty of Brexit.
According to the FTA, a freight commissioner working directly under the Mayor would “help to ensure the effective implementation of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy freight recommendations and develop a long term operational plan for the sector”.
FTA’s head of policy for London Natalie Chapman said: “London's population is set to grow from 8.6 million to an estimated 10 million people by 2030
“This rapidly growing city already depends on reliable and efficient logistics to deliver food, clothes, documents, medicines, building and construction materials and keep life moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Freight is the cog around which the whole city turns – without it, London will struggle to grow further.
“London’s prosperity is built on the successful movement of goods as well as people.
"From home shopping deliveries, to construction materials for new houses and office blocks, every resident and business relies on the logistics industry to provide the goods and services they need.
“And the waste left behind must be cleared up before another day begins.
“The logistics required to keep London moving are becoming increasingly complex, and need to be prioritised.
"Operators have made huge strides in improving the efficiency of deliveries and servicing the capital, in co-operation with the Mayor and Transport for London, to reduce emissions and improve safety.
“As London’s economy reinforces its position at the heart of 21st century Britain, its freight businesses urgently need – and deserve - a champion who can ensure they are supported in providing the high-quality and reliable service Londoners have come to expect.
“They deserve the support of a dedicated, distinctive voice that a Freight Commissioner would provide.”
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