Ferry bill would end 'rip-off prices', MP says

The MP said there was "no fair competition" in cross-Solent ferry services

Travellers are "tired" of paying "rip-off prices" for ferry travel to and from an island, an MP has warned in his call for bolstered boat rules.

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons, which would bring boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses.

The Conservative MP said he wanted to "end the carve-out that [ferry companies] have enjoyed for too long".

The private member's bill is unlikely to become law without government support but the Department for Transport said it recognised the "vital importance" of ferry services in connecting island communities.

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons

The bill would set up a framework to regulate routes throughout the country.

Robertson said: "There is no fair competition because the barrier to entering that market for a new provider is simply too high."

In a message to ferry firm owners, he said: "We are tired of your methods, we're tired of your rip-off prices, and we're tired of funding your huge ballooning bank debt interest."

Robertson named 28 November to list the bill for a second reading.

Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George said he supported the bill's purpose, with a "need for closer government oversight and public assurance through regulation" in his St Ives constituency which includes the Isles of Scilly.

"There's no equivalent to the pensioners' bus pass or the £3 bus fare," he said, adding islanders on St Martin's had told him they paid £120 to get to a health appointment.

The Department for Transport does not directly influence the ownership of private ferry companies, which operate in a commercial environment.

A spokesperson said: "We recognise the vital importance of ferry services in connecting island communities to jobs, healthcare, education and loved ones.

"We continue to engage with operators, local councils, and MPs to help ensure reliable and accessible services for our island communities across the UK."

In a statement, Red Funnel that operates vehicle and passenger services between Southampton, East Cowes and Cowes said it had "invested heavily" in improving its service.

"We welcome discussion on any measures that would support the vital connection we provide to and from the mainland."

Wightlink, which operates routes serving Fishbourne, Ryde and Yarmouth said it 90% of island resident journeys used fixed price or discounted tickets and that it "welcomed direct dialogue".