The RHA with the Task and Finish Group for Driver Facilities has responded to the Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The RHA says the road haulage sector is key to helping the Government deliver on its mission on building homes which needs a reliable freight and logistics sector.
The Association is also clear that as communities grow the need for more public transport provision including coaches is key.
James Barwise, RHA Policy Lead, said: “We are pleased that the ‘freight and logistics’ sectors have finally been acknowledged in the draft of the new NPPF as playing a vital role in a modern economy. But we would like to see more detail about how our industry can be supported on green infrastructure, lorry parking, warehouses, distribution centres and provision for coaches.”
On decarbonisation the RHA says there should be a presumption to approve planning applications for all forms of renewable and low-carbon developments, including those which provide green infrastructure for HGVs and coaches.
“We urge the Government to update the NPPF to articulate a more positive narrative about our industry as an economic driver. We also call for lorry parking provision to have stronger representation in parts of the updated Framework to ensure it is a consideration in more planning applications.”
The National Planning Policy Framework is the key document which sets out the Government’s planning policies for England.
“We have long called for NPPF reform and look forward to seeing how changes will help the transport sector drive economic growth.”
The RHA also calls for freight and logistics provision to be better supported in Local Plans policies.
More on the RHA’s campaigning for better infrastructure in its Mission Driven: A Blueprint for Delivery: https://bit.ly/rhamdbfd
