ROAD congestion and limited rail links are hindering access to ports across the UK including Harwich, a report by MPs has claimed.

The report by the House of Commons Transport Committee said there was a “presumption that significant improvements to access to ports - particularly improvements to strategic networks - will be publicly funded because of the wider economic benefits of doing so.”

In evidence to the Transport Select Committee the Haven Gateway Partnership, formed of Essex and Suffolk councils, said the key to improving access to ports was “releasing development potential, relieving road and rail congestion, facilitating growth”.

Currently Harwich port does not have a dedicated freight rail network.