Introduction
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is a professional institution embracing all transport modes whose members are engaged in the provision of transport services for both passengers and freight, the management of logistics and the supply chain, transport planning, government and administration. Our principal concern is that transport policies and procedures should be effective and efficient, based on objective analysis of the issues and practical experience, and that good practice should be widely disseminated and adopted. The Institute has a number of specialist forums, a nationwide structure of locally based groups and a Public Policies Committee which considers the broad canvass of transport policy. This submission draws on contributions principally by the Aviation Policy Group.
This response begins with a discussion about the history of slot allocation because we believe it is important to understand the background to the current situation. We then discuss the need for slot allocation, why slots are limited and why there is a perceived problem with the current situation. We then ask if reform is necessary and go on to answer the consultation questions.