Government updates national policy statement for ports

The Department for Transport has formally amended the national policy statement for ports, which sets the planning framework against which major port development proposals in the UK are assessed.

National policy statements are used by the Planning Inspectorate when deciding applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects. An updated statement means any new large-scale port proposals will be judged against revised criteria.

The amendment does not introduce direct changes to how drivers use, maintain or run their vehicles day to day. Its practical effect sits at the level of long-term freight and logistics infrastructure rather than individual motoring.

Drivers with a professional interest in supply-chain or logistics planning may wish to consult the Department for Transport directly for the full detail of what the revised statement contains.