Freight Strategy
1 Introduction
This Cornwall Freight Strategy is one of a number of supporting strategy documents that have been prepared as part of the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011. It sets out a framework within which we can deliver improvements to the freight distribution system in the County, within national and regional policies and expectations, and our aspirations for Cornwall.
The freight distribution system in Cornwall consists of three key elements: road, rail and ports.
Of these, by far the most widely used for distributing freight is the road. Around 85% of freight in Cornwall is distributed via this means, which is in line with the national distribution patterns. It is therefore clear that as the dominant mode, appropriate provisions must still be made for distribution of freight by road. It is also a demand that is increasing. Over the previous five years, it is estimated that there has been a 12% increase in Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) movements in the County.
Currently, national and European fiscal policies limit the demand for the use of rail and waterborne freight distribution. However, given the environmental and community impacts of road haulage, opportunities for encouraging the transfer of freight by other means must still be actively protected and pursued wherever possible.
Due to the fact that the freight industry is essentially a private entity, there is a strong need to develop partnerships in order to achieve positive outcomes. We, as the County Council, currently host and lead the Cornwall Freight Forum. It was established in May 1999 as an ‘umbrella’ Freight Quality Partnership (FQP) for the whole of the County of Cornwall, and aims to:
"develop, manage and implement the Local Transport Plan strategy, in terms of freight".
The Freight Forum will continue to work cohesively with other county led forums to ensure schemes are not developed or managed in isolation to the detriment of other modes of transport and road users. The Forum will also operate with close regard to the aims of the South West Regional Freight Forum in order to ensure continuity throughout the region.
The key partners on the Cornwall Freight Forum are given in Figure 1.1 below.
Figure 1.1 Partnerships for Freight in Cornwall (Popup full image)