A SHIFT of freight from North Yorkshire's roads to rail and water is being co-ordinated by a newcomer to the county council.

Allan McVeigh has taken the reins of leading the region to more sustainable transport by taking up the newly-created post of freight transport officer.

Although his aim is not to take the lorry off the county's roads, he intends to encourage use of alternative, more environmentally- friendly methods of transporting goods. He said his work was in two stages.

"The first stage recognises that we cannot continue to cater for the unrestrained growth in traffic, and initiatives which favour promotion of local goods and services will be encouraged," he said.

"The second phase is a crucial aspect of the strategy, which will lead to the development of rail and water links to encourage a shift towards these more sustainable forms of distribution.

"We must always recognise, however, that even under the most optimistic predictions, road haulage will continue to make up the vast majority of freight movements throughout the county."

He said North Yorkshire's strategy to deal with freight movement would then put in place measures designed to minimise the impact of lorry movements on the environment. These include:

- Setting up partnerships between freight industries, local residents and other interested parties to work at reducing effects in particular areas

- Outlining preferred routes for heavy commercial vehicles

- Promoting cleaner vehicles and industry initiatives.

- Protecting land which could be used by rail in the future.

Mr McVeigh said: "We need to meet the social and economic needs of local communities and businesses without jeopardising the needs of the environment."

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, December 29, 2001