CILT’s Vision 2035 concept outlines the forces of change that are shaping society, and how transport and logistics should adapt to these new realities. These forces apply to Wales in common with the rest of the UK, and encompass an ageing and growing population, technological advancements, and the implications of climate change and the overarching objective from the UK Government and EU to reduce emissions.
One of the forces for change that Vision 2035 envisages is a changing role for government. Specifically, it highlights the emergence in England of governance through ‘new regional bodies’. A number of decisions over transport policy are now being made at the subnational, regional or local level, or are being informed by devolved bodies and authorities. CILT’s Vision 2035, at the UK level, notes that the devolved governments in particular are showing a lead in some areas of public transport.
Evidence from Wales is that the Welsh Government and National Assembly will continue to focus on the development of transport and freight policy. Currently, the National Transport Plan sets out Welsh Government priorities in order to achieve:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.
Integrated local transport.
Improved access between key settlements and sites.
Enhanced international connectivity.
Increased safety and security.
During 2013/14, the Welsh Government announced priorities for road-building, including M4 relief capacity at Newport, and the National Assembly has signalled its intention to conduct an inquiry into rail franchising options for the country. The acquisition of Cardiff airport by the Welsh Government also demonstrates the varying practices of devolved governments to transport issues in their own countries.
Along with appreciating the emergence of a distinct transport policy agenda for Wales, CILT is now outlining a Welsh context in which the future of transport and logistics has to be considered across four spatial categories: rural, urban, interurban and international. The future of passenger and freight transport, leading up to 2035, is then considered across the four categories.
Finally, CILT’s Vision 2035 Wales approach also anticipates changes to governance and recommends potential changes by 2035.
