FTA ‘relief’ at Scottish devolution proposals

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said it is ‘relieved’ by the findings of the Smith Commission, which has reported on its recommendations to the UK government for the further devolution of powers to Scotland.

FTA identified several issues covered in the Commission’s report which would potentially impact on the transport and logistics sector. In particular, it noted the recommendations that all aspects of fuel duty and excise duties will remain reserve, and that remaining powers to change speed limits and powers over all road traffic signs would be devolved to the Scottish parliament.

Chris MacRae, FTA’s head of policy for Scotland, said: “FTA welcomes the findings of the Smith Commission Report today. It is important that Scotland’s supply chains and routes to market are able to operate efficiently across borders, and within UK, Europe and globally.”

Following a consultation with its members, FTA submitted evidence to Lord Smith of Kelvin, chair of the Commission, highlighting what it said were: “five key objectives to maintaining safe, efficient and sustainable logistics throughout the UK.”

The five objectives were: free and open borders; fair competition for freight; quality and value-for-money services for motoring services agencies; a consistent, fair and effective approach from safety regulators/agencies; and high quality transport infrastructure networks.

FTA further advised the Commission that, when considering the further devolution of tax-raising and lawmaking powers, it should: “carefully consider the consequential impacts of its proposals on Scotland’s supply chains and logistics activities and aim to avoid the potential for new costs or market distortions to arise that would disrupt current economies of scale or borderless transport patterns.”