Rail and road access into ports need key bottlenecks removed to improve infrastructure.

This is according to the Transport Committee, which has called on the Department for Transport (DfT) for greater action.

Its views are detailed in the 'Access to Ports' document released today (November 26th), stating a need to open transport links to and from ports. The body argues not doing so hinders economic prosperity and, as such, a greater priority is needed to solve this issue.

The Transport Committee's chair Louise Ellman said: "Local bottlenecks remain a key concern to many ports. Ministers must challenge decisions by local bodies where they fail to prioritise improvements in port access over other, less strategically important, schemes."

The organisation argues the government should contribute to network improvements to access the greater benefits, as opposed to leaving all the costs to port operators. Additionally, it notes some ports contribute towards various transport projects while others do not, suggesting this disparity should be balanced out by updated policies.

It also wants DfT to analyse any impact from port master plans, highlighting the beneficial examples.