UK Transportation and Logistics Development

Title
Name
Institution

Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u UK Transportation Development PAGEREF _Toc423229969 h 3Road Transport in The UK PAGEREF _Toc423229970 h 4Rail Transportation in The UK PAGEREF _Toc423229971 h 4Growth of Logistics in The UK PAGEREF _Toc423229972 h 5Factors that have contributed to the growth of transport system in The UK PAGEREF _Toc423229973 h 6On time and budget PAGEREF _Toc423229974 h 6Comprehensive investment PAGEREF _Toc423229975 h 6Maximizing economic benefits of the Nation PAGEREF _Toc423229976 h 6Conserving the Environment and Harnessing technology PAGEREF _Toc423229977 h 7Collaborating with the Private Sector PAGEREF _Toc423229978 h 7Give the partners more Control PAGEREF _Toc423229979 h 7References PAGEREF _Toc423229980 h 8
UK Transportation Development
Transportation is considered a key component of human welfare and economic development. The increase in global population requires more efficient and reliable transport systems. Studies show that the efficient transport system is a facilitator for economic growth. In developed nations such as The UK, local and global business and trade depend on the efficiency in the transportation system (Blanes, Paton, & Docherty, 2015). In The UK, transportation is facilitated by rail, road, air and water network systems. In the recent decades, the transportation system of UK has experienced exponential growth and development.
The UK government has invested in the transport sector especially the rail and roads that are the commonly used transportation means.

As the population of the country continues to grow, so does the need for a reliable transportation network. In this regard, the government has ensured that the roads networks and the train system can adequately serve the population. The World Economic Forum ranked the road and rail infrastructure of UK as one of the best in the world. However, proper management and regulation should be adhered to to maintain the current status ((Blanes, Paton, & Docherty, 2015).
The growth in the transportation sector has been influenced by the different needs of the citizens. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in cars and buses transportation compared to rails road. Like many emerging economies, United Kingdom is a hub of various trade and business that require efficient transportation. Additionally, the rise in population has impacted the transport system as most people use their personal vehicles for daily commuting (Systematics, 2012). According to a report by the Department of Public transportation in 2008, traffic congestion is a major problem facing the major cities of United Kingdom. The department warned that if the problem is not addressed and managed appropriately, it may have a negative impact on the economy of the nation. Similarly, the Eddington Transport Study (2006) indicated that the government should focus on improving the existing transport system, to compete effectively globally (Eddington, 2006).
Road Transport in the UK
Personal cars are the most preferred mode of transportation in The UK. Despite the rising cost of fuel, most people consider cars more convenient and efficient, especially for short trips (McKinnon & Woodburn, 1996). The rise in population in the country has caused the road networks to be congested and overwhelmed by the traffic. Experts have warned that the country’s economy may suffer if the roads infrastructures are not amended to accommodate the population as well as the traffic. The bus is commonly used as a public means of transport for short commutes and trips. The buses are convenient as they cover most strategic locations such as shopping malls, schools, hospitals and residential areas. Additionally, they are a cheaper means of transport, especially for people who commute on a daily basis. McKinnon and Woodburn note that buses have become popular with most working class and students who commute to school and work every day (1996).
Rail Transportation in the UK
The trains are the third most popular mode of transportation in the UK (Gibson, Cooper & Ball, 2002). The United Kingdom has one of the oldest railway networks in the world. The Department for Transport (DfT) oversees the train networks within the country. Train operating companies are awarded contracts by the (DfT) to operate at specified routes. In recent years, many people have are opting to use the training mode of transportation because of the rise in fuel prices and gas. Trains are the ideal and inexpensive mode of transport for long or short trips as they cover almost all towns and cities (Gibson, Cooper & Ball, 2002).
Air Transport in the UK
In the UK, the air transport caters for commercial carriage of passengers, freight, and mail. The air transport industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past few decades as more people use airplanes both locally and internationally. The London Heathrow Airport is considered to be one of the busiest in the world, followed by Manchester Airport. The growth of the airline industry in UK can be attributed to the introduction of no frills (low budget) carriers such as the easy Jet; which is affordable to many people (Button & Taylor, 2000).
Growth of Logistics in the UK
The logistics sector is vital to the success and growth of any industry. Any productive industry will require efficient planning, implementing and controlling measures to successfully execute its operations. Effective logistics observation is the enabler of most industries and, therefore, forms the foundation of a successful business (Persson & Virum, 2001). In the UK, the logistics industry has grown and become competitive with many small firms coming up. For instance, in 2011, the government supported the implementation of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges (SRFI) that will enhance business operations as well as reduce costs. Additionally, the government has committed to invest over £1 billion in the transportation infrastructure and various road layouts, which will enhance logistics in the transportation industry. The government also invests in the improvement of the Freight transportation. For example improving the resilience of the A14 as well as reducing congestion (Logistics for Growth Review, 2011).
Technological innovation such as electronic tolling is utilized so as to ease the flow of traffic.
Factors that have contributed to the growth of transport system in the UK
In 2013, the government of UK through the Department of Transport outlined the steps needed to improve the transport system in the country. The steps were outlined is a formal document that was to be implemented in appropriate phases (Transport an Engine for Growth, 2013). The Spending Round package also allocates a significant amount of money to the transport system in The UK. In formulating the strategies, the Department outlined six principles that would guide the implementation process. The following principles have since been instrumental in enhancing transportation and logistics in the country.
On time and budget-The first principle is to ensure that the commitments made by the Department are honored on time and within the Spending Round budget. Also, the tax payers money is utilized through innovation in transport system
Comprehensive investment- Strategic and sustained investments are made in all the transport systems across the nation. The investments focus on maintaining the current transport systems such as rails, roads, ports, and airports. Further investments are also made in innovation and improved transport system
Maximizing economic benefits of the Nation-The government of UK has ensured that the country remains competitive globally by investing in the transport system. The efficient transport system has enabled the local traders and businesses to grow by moving faster and easily. The export business has been enhanced by the improved international links. The improved transport system has supported other related industries as well as the livelihoods of more than 1.4 million people working in the transport sector. A reliable transport system has led to a vibrant economy, which has in turn attracted business investors to the country (Transport an Engine for Growth, 2013).
Conserving the Environment and Harnessing technology-The priority of the UK government is to support business activities that protect the environment and are economically viable. The government supports new and innovative technology that is aimed at improving transportation infrastructure. The government’s 2013 Spending Round Package allocated £500 million to the transport sector so as to achieve low emission vehicles as part of their sustainability practices. The government also boosted in the railroad transportation and intended to ensure that three-quarters of public transport in Wales and England are made by electric trains.
Collaborating with the Private Sector-The UK government recognizes the important role of the private sector in transportation. Hence, it has made efforts to collaborate in initiatives that will boost the transportation sector. Much of the transport systems in the country have greatly benefited from the private sector involvement. For instance, privatization of the rail networks in the 1990s revolutionized the transport system in The UK. Over the past two decades, passenger numbers and demand has doubled, and freight traffic has increased to more than 60%. The government ensures a balanced economy by offering investment opportunities to foreign and international investors into the transport sector (Transport an Engine for Growth, 2013).
Give the partners more Control- The government realizes that the local Agencies, local business, and partners are a vital part in the policy making of the transport sector. As such, the government has ensured that it involves the relevant partners in major decision making and decisions on funds distribution. The Department for Transport of UK has enforced the above principles to ensure that the country’s transport and logistics industry remains an engine for economic growth and globally competitive.
ReferencesBlanes, R., Paton, R., & Docherty, I. (2015, January). Public Value of Intelligent Transportation System. In System Sciences (HICSS), 2015 48th Hawaii International Conference on (pp. 1389-1399). IEEE.
Button, K., & Taylor, S. (2000). International Air Transportation and Economic Development. Journal of Air Transport Management, 6(4), 209-222.
Department for Transport. (2011). The Logistics Growth Review. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/…/logistics-growth-review.pdf
Department For Transport. (2013). Transport an Engine for Growth. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/…/transport-engine-for-growth.pdf
Eddington, R. (2006). The Eddington Transport Study. Main Report: Transport’s Role in Sustaining the UK’s Productivity and Competitiveness.
Gibson, S., Cooper, G., & Ball, B. (2002). The Evolution of Capacity Charges On The UK Rail Network. Journal of Transport Economics and Policy, 341-354.
McKinnon, A. C., & Woodburn, A. (1996). Logistical Restructuring and Road Freight Traffic Growth. Transportation, 23(2), 141-161.
Persson, G., & Virum, H. (2001). Growth Strategies for Logistics Service Providers: A Case Study. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 12(1), 53-64.
Systematics, C. (2012). Assessing the Economic Benefit Of Transportation Infrastructure Investment In A Mature Surface Transportation System.