UK freight strategy questioned

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has called for the British government to urgently introduce a national multi-modal freight strategy to help to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality and boost the economy.

Far too many goods enter the UK via ports in the South East, leading to congestion around London, said the authors of a new report.

According to the report, up to 30% of all haulage vehicles on UK roads are empty and about 150m miles are driven unnecessarily by lorry drivers.