Identifying the multimodal strategic freight network and the value of improving its operation
Identifying the multimodal strategic freight network and the value of improving its operation
Client: UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG)
Date:2019
The UKMPG, the trade association representing the larger UK ports, commissioned MDST to define a Multimodal Strategic Freight Network and then produce an estimate of the cost of delays on the strategic road and rail networks in Great Britain.
The Question
How can you define what are the most important road and rail network links in terms of freight traffic volumes in Great Britain? What is the cost to the UK economy of delays and a lack of capacity on those networks?
The Solution
- Defined a ‘Multimodal Freight Network’ by examining existing concentrations of freight flows on the road and rail networks and the extent to which they link the key conurbations and ports of entry.
- Calculated the cost of delays on the strategic road network by comparing actual traffic speeds with free flow speeds and then valuing the time lost
- Calculated the cost of suppressed rail freight demand on the network due to a lack of capacity at seven key junctions
- Made policy recommendations on how a coordinated multimodal approach could maximise the productivity of the freight industry for the UK economy.
Achievements
The findings of the report were publicised by the UKMPG in January 2019 and received coverage in the national press. The report was also used to inform the UK Government about the importance of investing in removing capacity bottlenecks on the strategic road and rail networks. It showed that if investment was made to remove the bottlenecks on the road and rail networks, the benefits to the freight industry and society could amount to £14.2bn on a discounted basis over a period of 60 years.
The UKMPG press release relating to the MDS Transmodal report can be accessed here.
http://ukmajorports.org.uk/the-cost-of-bottlenecks-major-report-shows-over-50000-hgv-hours-a-day-lost-needlessly-to-traffic/
The UKMPG press release relating to the MDS Transmodal report can be accessed here.
http://ukmajorports.org.uk/the-cost-of-bottlenecks-major-report-shows-over-50000-hgv-hours-a-day-lost-needlessly-to-traffic/