Capital needs a freight champion, London Mayor Khan told

London Mayor Sadiq Khan should appoint a freight champion for the capital, says the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The new post could be given the same high profile as the Commissioner for Walking and Cycling, say the organisations.

Natalie Chapman, head of policy for London at the FTA, said: “London's population is set to grow from 8.6m to an estimated 10m people by 2030. This rapidly growing city already depends on reliable and efficient logistics to deliver food, clothes, documents, medicines, building and construction materials and keep life moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Freight is the cog around which the whole City turns – without it; London will struggle to grow further.

“The logistics required to keep London moving are becoming increasingly complex, and need to be prioritised. Operators have made huge strides in improving the efficiency of deliveries and servicing the capital, in co-operation with the Mayor and Transport for London, to reduce emissions and improve safety.”

Freight businesses urgently need a champion to ensure they are supported in providing a high-quality and reliable service, said Chapman.