DOT figures questioned
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• The way the Department of Transport forecasts road freight levels is flawed and gives a misleading picture of what road schemes are required, says a new report.
The DOT bases its road freight forecasts on the assumption that the number of lorry journeys rises in line with economic activity. But a report published this week by Professor Alan McKinnon of Heriot-Watt University shows changes to the way haulage firms operate mean the comparison is no longer valid.
Of 90 hauliers surveyed, only a third said the number of miles they travelled increased in line with sales—in some sectors the opposite is true.
The survey also found that the increased journeys brought about by an increasing use of just-in-time deliveries have been more than offset by consolidation in other areas—particularly in retail food distribution. The report notes that average payloads have remained stable over the past 10 years.
The report showed the number of truck movements could be reduced if operators adopted different working practices.
Improved return loads, computerised routeing and vehicles with separate compartments can all play their part, it says.