The UK Department for Transport has presented a plan to accelerate the development of national ports through the simplification of port planning processes and opened a period of consultation with stakeholders. The ministry explained that the new measures aim to clarify how ports can meet noise and emissions, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the approval of projects saving time and money during the planning process. Greater clarity, fewer delays and cost reduction - the ministry highlighted - will give ports the confidence needed to develop, creating more jobs in the skilled jobs at local level and reinvesting money in community.

"The ports - underlined the Minister for the Sector maritime team, Mike Kane, presenting the new plan - are the lifeblood of the British economy, supporting trade and of the country, and are essential to increase the well-being and opportunities for our coastal communities. We determined, as part of our Plan for Change, to achieve the Projects that will make a real difference to the population will boost economic growth and create jobs of work".

"The proposals," Kane continued, "have been published together with the forecasts on the demand for port traffic of the UK goods, which show an expected increase in overall tonnage of port cargo handling, especially for roll-on-roll-off loads such as cars, buses, trailers, etc., as well as for containers and dry bulk cargo. Taking these forecasts into account, the changes will help to ensure the long-term future of ports, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the growing demand for transport and to best meet the country's needs in terms of movement of goods and people".