Policy, funding, planning and operations must be aligned across the national, regional and local levels

CILT(UK) welcomes direction of the government’s integrated transport strategy, but warns freight must be fully embedded to deliver

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) welcomes the publication of the Department for Transport’s Integrated National Transport Strategy, which sets out a long-term framework for a more coordinated and effective transport system.

The strategy signals an important shift towards viewing transport as a connected system rather than a series of individual modes. It provides a stronger foundation for aligning infrastructure, operations and planning. This reflects a direction CILT(UK) has consistently supported.

This strategy is an important step in recognising transport as a system that needs to work as a whole, rather than as a set of individual parts. The challenge now is delivery. Integration is not achieved through strategy alone; it depends on how networks are planned, funded and operated in practice. 

Freight and logistics must be part of that system from the outset. The movement of goods underpins economic activity, supply chain resilience, and everyday life, and must be fully reflected in how the system is designed and managed. Without that, there is a real risk that integration is delivered for passengers rather than for the wider economy, ultimately limiting the overall impact of the strategy.

The strategy's success will depend on how well it's implemented across networks, places, and supply chains. Recognising transport as a system that must function coherently across modes and geographies is an important step forward. Integration is not simply about interchange, but about how networks operate together to support the reliable movement of people and goods.

Designing transport around how people and businesses actually use the system is essential. A place-based approach, if implemented effectively, can better reflect the economic and operational realities of different regions.

Improved data use and coordination between organisations will be critical to making the system work more effectively. A longer-term framework also provides greater certainty for investment and planning. While the strategy sets a positive direction, CILT(UK) believes further clarity and emphasis are needed in key areas:

• Freight is fundamental to how the economy functions and how places operate. It should be fully embedded in the design, planning and operation of the transport system, not treated as a separate or secondary consideration.
• CILT (UK) emphasises that the movement of people and goods is distinct but interdependent, and effective integration requires planning frameworks that properly reflect both.

In practice, this means ensuring that streets and transport networks support servicing, loading and deliveries alongside passenger movement. While the strategy highlights improvements to walking, wheeling, and cycling around transport hubs, it provides limited recognition of how these essential functions will be accommodated.

Integration will only be achieved if policy, funding, planning, and operations are aligned across the national, regional, and local levels. We need more clarity on how this alignment will be delivered in practice.

Further work is needed to ensure that metrics capture the full performance of the system - including reliability, economic productivity and freight efficiency. Achieving integration will depend on clear responsibilities and effective coordination between organisations. Greater detail on delivery mechanisms will be essential as the strategy moves into implementation.

We look forward to continuing to work with government and industry to support the practical delivery of a more integrated, efficient and resilient transport system.

Daniel Parker-Klein is director of policy, communications and insight at CILT(UK)

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the membership organisation for professionals leading supply chain operations for the movement of goods and people. Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows, and in the creation, management and continuous improvement of effective organisations.
www.ciltuk.org.uk