Ferry users criticise loss of key crossing to Kent

Over 100,000 passenger journeys are made every year on the ferry service

The impact of the loss of a long-running ferry service connecting Essex and Kent across the River Thames has been outlined in a report into its viability.

More than 100,000 passenger journeys are made every year on the ferry service, which takes passengers between Tilbury and Gravesend.

Kent County Council (KCC) commissioned a survey on the crossing, which is set to be axed at the end of March.

One respondent who has used the ferry for more than a decade to get to work said losing the service would be a "total disaster".

Other users include school children, tourists and those needing medical treatment.

A KCC spokesperson said it was "disappointing" the ferry would have to halt service, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"We have worked hard to try to secure an extension to the contract while we find a long-term future for the crossing, but this has not been possible," the spokesperson added.

'More difficult'

Since 2000, KCC has financially supported the ferry service with Thurrock Council, after the previous operator pulled out.

However, its future was cast in doubt in the face of serious financial pressures at both authorities.

In February, ferry operator Jetstream Tours said the service would cease at the end of this month.

The KCC survey received over 1,700 responses, with many people pleading for the crossing to be saved.

One respondent said: “Travelling to work would be so much more difficult, expensive and time consuming."

Another added: "The ferry service appears to provide excellent value for money," compared to alternative bus routes."

The service is used by school pupils, tourists and workers

KCC said it was trying to secure a sustainable long-term solution for the ferry.

Jetstream Tours, which has operated the ferry service since 2017, said short-term extensions to the existing contract were not tenable for the business.

"We feel it ultimately would lead to further protracted job insecurities and have an adverse effect on our ability to adequately employ and ensure continuity of a regular and reliable ferry service," it said in a statement.

Andrew Jefferies, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “We are disappointed to learn that the Tilbury Ferry may have to halt its service in the short term.

“A great deal of work has taken place and funding had been secured to maintain the service in the short term while work took place to create a sustainable long-term future for the ferry crossing.

“However, despite this setback we will continue to work to secure a long-term future for the ferry that does not rely on local council tax payers money being used to provide financial support.”