The British Ports Association (BPA) has welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s Port Connectivity Study; ‘Transport Infrastructure for our global future’, but suggested that investment guarantees, support and guidance for local planners and a new overarching freight strategy would be needed for Government to deliver on many of the report’s recommendations, BPA said in its press release.
The Study, along with a set of regional case studies on port connectivity to be officially launched by the UK Maritime Minister, Nusrat Gharni today at the BPA’s Annual Lunch in London and it includes a number of recommendations about raising the profile of ports with Government and beyond.
The Study also includes a calls to arms for the UK ports industry to examine ways to promote itself to other parts of UK Government and highlight the value of the sector. In the last 12 months the BPA has been more active in Westminster and in the regions raising the profile of the industry in general.
The Study was launched in 2017 and initially led by former MP and Deputy Chief Whip, Sir John Randall. The industry is grateful for the contribution of the Study’s independent chair, Sir John Randall who oversaw the practical stages of the project and also appreciative of the hard work of the Modal Connectivity team in the Department for Transport’s maritime division.