Government's Water Freight Policy Queried/Criticised
Water-freight operating firms have criticised what, in their eyes, is a dilution of the UK government's directive to favour use of waterways over motorways, in order to transport abnormally large cargo. According to the Inland Waterways Association, a recent consultation issued by the Highways Agency, in which it sought to demystify the guidelines for water-based operations, stands in contrast to the environmental priorities touted by the government.
Its chief concern is that a governmental shift in policy could place less emphasis on water freight if it proves to be a costly exercise - and do so "by stealth".
This view is contested by the Freight Transport Association, which argues that a return to road freight would be disadvantageous to the Highways Agency.
The consultation posed several queries to relevant interested parties. These included if, in instances when the cost of transporting freight by water is more than 20 per cent of the cargo's value, it would still be viable to carry it this way. Additionally, if the guidelines deciding when road or water is used should be adaptable, when the mileage factor involved in either way is taken into account for a particular load.
According to the Commercial Boat Operators' Association, the very fact these questions are being asked is indicative of a relaxation in rules. The association argues that the government would opt for road transportation even where the cost involved exceeds 20 per cent of the goods value.
Its Chairman, John Dodwell, added that: "Slow moving, long articulated lorries taking up more than half the road width cause significant delay and frustration to motorists this is unnecessary when an alternative already exists."
"We shall be asking for a meeting with government officials to expand on our views."
James Firth - the Freight Transport Association's Regional Policy Manager - concedes that the Highways Agency's policy lacks clarity, but rejects claims that: "...the government is trying to encourage freight onto road."
As per a spokesman from the Department of Transport: "The consultation is not intended to review the water preferred policy but is aimed at clarifying how the policy is applied and to provide greater transparency of the decision making process."
Freight International will continue to provide unrivalled coverage of further developments relating to the wider/lesser adoption of Water Freight operations.
Source - Freight International's Assistant Editor
Recent related News Item:
MPs Urge for Companies to Transport Freight on Waterways
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