Future of Freight Demand Scenarios

BACKGROUND TO REQUIREMENT/OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENT In November 2017, the Chancellor of the Exchequer asked the Commission to undertake a study on the future of freight. The Government asked the Commission to: • Assess the impact freight has currently on urban congestion and the UK's carbon emissions, and the future of inter-city freight movements; • Make recommendations on the future of freight infrastructure and regulation to reduce the effects of congestion on productivity, particularly in urban areas, and ensure wider freight connectivity supports economic growth; • Consider the potential of emerging technologies to improve the efficiency, productivity and environmental impact of UK freight; • Make recommendations on the future of our roads and highways to be able to adapt to new technology, e.g. platooning; • Consider the wider economic role of freight and how its economic benefits are factored into government infrastructure investments; • Take into account the increase in non-fossil fuels for road vehicles, and consider options for decarbonising the freight sector including the infrastructure and regulation needed for low emission haulage. Bidders should read the full Terms of Reference for the freight study in order to understand the broader context for this requirement and inform their response. The Commission will publish an interim report in Autumn 2018 that will outline the importance of freight, the future of freight demand, the impacts of congestion and carbon on freight and caused by freight, and the key barriers to improvement and change. The study will conclude with a final report in Spring 2019 that provides recommendations on the changes required to infrastructure, regulation, industry practices, and the government's investment priorities in the freight sector, in order to deliver an efficient and low-carbon freight system over the coming 30 years.