Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
As set out in my statement of 10 July, I see transport as a key enabler for many of this Government’s priorities and for supporting the delivery of the Programme for Government
I recognise that we must focus on how transport can serve the needs of businesses, people and communities, which include the efficient movement of goods and materials.
Sustainable freight networks are a major factor in all successful modern economies and it is important that we integrate them fully in developing the transport planning framework for Wales for the future.
I am therefore convening a new Freight Task and Finish Group to advise me on freight. The new group will comprise core freight experts and key industry representatives in Wales. Its purpose and remit will be to advise me on strategic issues affecting freight transport in the light of my wider economic development priorities. The group will focus on key interventions needed to support the development of Enterprise Zones and commercial and business centres more widely.
I expect the group to make initial recommendations to me this Autumn and that I will provide an update by the end of the year.
I would like to thank the former Wales Freight Group for the advice provided so far, which will provide a helpful context for the work of the new Task and Finish Group.