British Ports Association (BPA) has shared its vision of “port zoning” with John Hayes, the UK minister of transport.
Hayes was introduced to a new concept that could encourage port development in a meeting held earlier today in Westminster.
Richard Ballantyne, BPA director, said: “We envisage a system whereby port areas and surrounding clusters might be classified as ‘special port zones’ with fast tracked planning and licensing systems.
“Such zones could safeguard against restrictive environmental designations, which can often limit port growth and development.”
BPA executives also discussed the implications of Brexit on port activities with the minister.
These could include possible increased frontier and customs activities which could lead to disruption of cargo and logistics flows.
Ballantyne added: “It is vital that government activity at our borders does not disrupt important gateways for freight and passenger routes.
“We would welcome any initiatives the government has to streamline such processes.”
BPA voiced its concerns over UK ports becoming less competitive and adding costs to the freight industry.
Last month, the UK Chamber of Shipping said freight entering the UK would clog up key ports should the country adopt a similar status to Norway upon completing its withdrawal from the European Union.
