The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is calling on the UK Chancellor Philip Hammond to do more for the freight and logistics sector ahead of tomorrow’s UK Budget.
BIFA director general, Robert Keen says the economic outlook post Brexit “looks challenging” and there is considerable uncertainty concerning the UK’s future trading relations with Europe.
He adds: “BIFA members are acutely aware that major policy changes in light of Brexit are yet to be revealed, but we call on Philip Hammond to take some immediate steps to improve the operating environment for a sector that is the lifeblood of the UK’s international trade.
“For some years there has been a freeze on fuel duty. Now we repeat our call for an outright cut, the introduction of an essential user rebate and some form of fuel duty stabilisation mechanism.”
Previously, BIFA welcomed news of capital spending on transport infrastructure and says it would be good to hear more good news on this front given that a lack of spending has caused the country’s network of A roads and motorways to become congested, undermining the UK’s competitiveness in comparison to its international peers.
Keen adds: “BIFA has said repeatedly that it is imperative that new road building and road reconstruction projects are not only implemented, but developed in such a way as to maximise their functionality.
“Any news of further transport infrastructure investment in tomorrow’s Budget will be warmly welcomed by BIFA members, which as freight forwarders, use these roads to move Britain’s visible domestic and international trade.”
