Draft Freight Strategy Consultation

1.0 Introduction

According to the Department for Transport's Future of Freight: A Long-term Plan, the UK is a trading nation with imports and exports comprising 62.9% of GDP, higher than the global average of 56.3% in 2019. We are therefore reliant on the freight and logistics sector for economic wellbeing.

On a local level, the movement of freight in Central Bedfordshire is essential to promote economic growth and prosperity for both national businesses that make use of warehousing facilities and local businesses, whilst ensuring that our residents have access to the goods and services that they need to enjoy a good quality of life.

According to DfT National Statistics, in 2020 nationally 77% of domestic freight was transported by road, 14% was transported by water and 9% transported by rail. In Central Bedfordshire there isn't a major rail freight interchange or port facilities, however there are good road links to key freight generators, particularly along the M1 and A1 corridors. Whilst freight may have been transported using more than one form of transport, any freight movements with an end destination in Central Bedfordshire are likely to be carried out by road, with through movements of freight carried out by rail or road.

Whilst access for road freight In Central Bedfordshire is necessary, it is important that the routes that large goods vehicles use are carefully managed. Unmanaged freight movements can have a negative impact on local communities, including actual and perceived issues with road safety, noise, vibration, and amenity.

This Freight Strategy sets out our approach to managing freight in Central Bedfordshire, to balance the needs of the freight and logistics industry with those of residents, whilst ensuring that Central Bedfordshire remains a great place to live and work.