Better Use of the river for freight
I was surprised to see Sainsburys, Wandsworth mentioned below.Could there be hope for Morrison's Brentford or Tesco Bull's Bridge ?http://www.mhwmagazine.co.uk/LatestNews/Future_%27unsustainable%27_without_radical_change_says_Transport_for_London-6848.html"With 89% of all freight traffic being carried on London's roads and 23% of carbon emissions due to ground based transport, the case for moving more cargo on the River Thames has become imperative, according to Joseph Dack of Transport for London.Speaking at an inaugural Modal Shift conference held in London at The Chamber of Shipping by independent industry body Freight by Water, Mr. Dack was one of a series of high profile speakers from across the freight transport sector to issue a serious challenge to the industry to work together to deliver a viable alternative to traditional road haulage.Challenge to the freight industryBetter use of the river - the Blue Ribbon network - for freight transport is an important part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy," he said. "Currently we are breaching legislation with regard to air quality issues, whilst growing congestion is impacting on journey speeds and reliability of delivery times. Water freight is clearly recognised in London's transportation strategies, policies and plans, which provides a framework for 'modal shift'. However, we can't do this without the engagement of the industry and unless that happens, the future is unsustainable!"The challenge was welcomed by Peter Ward, Executive Director of Freight by Water, a not for profit membership organisation, supported by the Department of Transport and established to promote and facilitate modal shift. He described the River Thames Modal Shift forum, the first in a series of planned events across the UK, as a launch pad for change and a call to action to the water freight transport sector to deliver a tangible 'bundled' solution including a matrix of routes, times and services. Freight by Water will be facilitatorWard called on major retailers and manufacturers, as well as the leading logistics providers to play their part. "The role of Freight by Water is to set an agenda for change, identify the key drivers and recruit willing partners," he declared. "The case for shifting lorry loads of cargo from London's roads onto the river is made. The time for talking is over - now we must be prepared to actively develop a solution."Retail giant Sainsbury's, which has taken a strong lead in exploring possibilities of modal shift to water in London, and sister retailer Homebase both contributed to the event and offered strong support for the Freight by Water initiative. Kevin Greenaway, National Planning Manager at Sainsbury's, spoke of the challenges and complexities involved, but reiterated the company's firm commitment to add water to its portfolio of transport following the success of trials centred around its Wandsworth store.
Tim Henderson ● 5983d3 Comments ● 5982d