Summary of Key Policies

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 FQPs, and to act as a focus for strategic liaison.
TARGET: EMRFG to be established and to have agreed its initial Work Programme by the end of 2005.

KEY POLICY 2:

Regional and local partners to work together to pursue a range of measures to actively influence the reduction of the environmental impact of freight.
TARGET: To contribute appropriately to the regional attainment of the National PSA target on CO2 emissions.

KEY POLICY 3:

Regional and local partners to work together to actively pursue a range of measures to assist the efficiency of the road haulage industry.
TARGET: As part of its initial work programme, EMRFG to establish baseline regional data for vehicle loading and formulate a target for increasing loading efficiency.

KEY POLICY 4:

Regional and local partners to work together through the EMRFG to identify and pursue realistic opportunities for expanding the usage of inland waterways and coastal navigation especially where these can make a useful contribution to modal shift.
TARGET: By 2010 the tonnage of freight carried on all inland waterways in the Region should be doubled over 2000 levels, mirroring British Waterways’ national target.

KEY POLICY 5:

Regional and local partners to work together to identify and promote opportunities to achieve a significant shift from road to rail freight.
TARGET: By 2015 the tonnage per annum carried by freight trains originating or terminating in the region should increase by 4.5 million tonnes over 2005 levels, represented by an extra 30 trains per day.

KEY POLICY 6:

Regional and local partners will work together to support the national role and sustainable growth of NEMA by promoting and supporting appropriate planning policies and guidance within the context of current Government policy.
TARGET: Master Plans at NEMA (and other airports of importance to the region) to reflect, as appropriate, the full range of economic and environmental issues.

KEY POLICY 7:

Regional and local partners to work together to support opportunities for greater use of pipelines in contributing to freight modal shift.
TARGET: Increase volume and modal share of total regional freight transported by pipeline.

KEY POLICY 8:

Regional and local partners will work together to ensure that the Regional Freight Strategy is supportive of and complements land-use planning,environmental and economic regeneration strategies, and vice-versa.
TARGET:Published policies demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to mutually supportive actions in other policy areas.