TfNTalks webinar to highlight upcoming freight strategy for the North of England

Photo: Kara - stock.adobe.com

The online discussion will bring together industry experts to talk about the importance of the efficient movement of goods, and the urgent need for decarbonisation

Transport for the North (TfN) is hosting another free #TfNTalks webinar next week, highlighting its work on a Freight & Logistics Strategy for the region.

The online discussion will bring together industry experts to talk about the importance of the efficient movement of goods, and the urgent need for decarbonisation. They will also look at how ensuring the right multimodal networks are in place in the decades ahead will be pivotal for supporting economic growth following the pandemic.

The session will be chaired by Nancy Fielder, Editor of The Star, with panellists:

• Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail
• Peter Kennan, TfN Board Member for South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership
• Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group
• Lucy Hudson, TfN’s Principal Policy Officer Freight and Logistics

#TfNTalks: A Freight & Logistics Strategy for the North of England, takes place on Wednesday 12 January, from 12pm to 1pm.

Register free at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tfntalks-a-freight-and-logistics-strategy-for-the-north-tickets-232545548997

Lucy Hudson commented: “TfN is launching the first multimodal Freight and Logistics Strategy, and we’re excited to launch our very own virtual consultation. It’s essential that we hear from industry to help us get the right solutions for moving goods more efficiently and greenly.

“Join us on the webinar where we will discuss some of these aspects and outline how you can have your say on the draft strategy, which will eventually inform the North’s Strategic Transport Plan.”

Peter Kennan said: “Transport for the North's Freight and Logistics Strategy will help us to focus a lens on this key sector as a facilitator of growth and productivity. The strategy also has a vital role in helping us look at decarbonisation of this important sector.

“The same lens can help us focus on freight-related recommendations arising from the recent Union Connectivity Review and go some way to addressing the shortcomings of the Integrated Rail Plan, which failed to focus on the capacity needed for freight on the North's railways."

Maggie Simpson said: “It’s great to see that Transport for the North and its Members are developing a multimodal Freight and Logistics Strategy for the North. We must see more freight on our railways, facilitated by making best use of the existing network for new services, supporting the development of new rail interchanges and making the case for investment in capacity and electrification for rail freight across the region.”

TfN’s Freight & Logistics Strategy is now out to public consultation, giving everyone the chance to find out more about the opportunities and challenges facing the North of England when it comes to moving goods.

There is a virtual consultation room where anyone can provide their feedback, with the consultation open until 31 January 2022. Full details are available at: www.transportforthenorth.com/freight-logistics/