The significant role that partnership can play in successfully taking forward an agenda to develop a sustainable and efficient freight industry has been recognized by Government in its guidance to Local Transport Authorities. A number of Freight Quality Partnerships (FQPs), operating at varying levels, has been establishedto address both general and specific issues. It is considered that this partnership approach is no less important at the strategic or regional level.

Having published a Regional Freight Strategy, it is imperative that its policies are pursued vigorously. Accordingly it is considered that there will be considerable merit in promoting implementation of the Strategy through the establishment of a Regional Freight Group (EMRFG). Such a body would in effect undertake the role of a regional Freight Quality Partnership supporting local FQPs in promoting and disseminating best practice, but should also oversee and coordinate delivery of the Strategy, input to regional debate on prioritising transport capital funding, and monitor targets. The composition of such a group could be based around that for the Strategy Steering Group and initially at least should be chaired by the Regional Assembly.

Whilst the State of Freight in the East Midlands Report further proposed the establishment of the post of Regional Freight Officer to support the EMRFG and manage delivery of its Action Plans, it is proposed to delegate consideration of this to the new EMRFG, which could come to an informed view on the necessity and timing for such a post and the likely budget availability to fund its establishment. Whilst individual LTAs or FQPss may have difficulty in justifying a dedicated freight post, collectively this is likely to be a much more realistic proposition.

KEY POLICY 1:

Regional and local partners to work together to establish a Regional Freight Group (EMRFG) to coordinate implementation and monitoring of the Strategy’s Action Plans, to be a central resource for local FQPss, and to act as a focus for strategic liaison.

TARGET:

RFG to be established and to have agreed its initial Work Programme by the end of 2005.