Queen’s speech was a ‘missed opportunity’

Both the CILT and FTA have criticised Theresa May’s Queen’s speech for missing out vital issues for the industry.

The CILT said that although it welcomed the commitment to bringing forward further legislation on HS2, it is concerned that there was no mention of Crossrail 2 in the speech.

Policy chief Daniel Parker-Klein said: “It is imperative that government commits to support the development of Crossrail 2. This scheme is essential for not only London’s future but for the whole of the UK. There is little time for delay – a hybrid bill must be submitted by 2020. Without it, the benefits of HS2 may not be realised, the movement of goods and people will be constrained and the UK’s economy will be less resilient to meet the demands of an uncertain future.”

The FTA said the speech was a missed opportunity to implement long-awaited reforms of the operator licensing system.

James Firth, head of licensing policy and compliance information, said: “The Traffic Commissioners are telling us that a lack of reform of this legislation is the key barrier to improving license processing times. The system has failed to keep pace with the dynamic nature of the logistics industry and is now stifling progress and growth. Our members have customers waiting but their business is paralysed until the license is granted.”