SMMT Transport News Brief

Friday, December 15, 2017 - 09:30
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As we begin the run up to Christmas, it is worth once again reflecting upon how central our industry is to the economy, especially at this time of year.

Commercial vehicles carry around 80% of all freight in the UK, a figure that has remained unchanged for decades.

However, what has changed is the nature of the logistics supply chain and the way people shop. Online sales in 2016 were 20% higher than the previous year and one well-known retailer I spoke to recently expects to see 40% of all sales made through their website this year.

All this activity puts the logistics sector under considerable strain, not helped by the ongoing driver shortage. Access to skills is one of the key issues for the industry and likely to remain so for some time, particularly with the ongoing uncertainty from Brexit.

Road transport connects people and businesses to markets and other kinds of transport, creating and supporting trade and jobs. Anything that hinders this affects all of us; and anything that supports its growth will benefit everyone.

Today’s trucks, vans, buses, coaches and taxis are safer, more efficient, cleaner and quieter than ever before. They use the best technology available to keep the world moving and help us enjoy a better tomorrow.

Finally, this is the last Transport News Brief of 2017 so it just remains for me to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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