Ferry bill would boost island income, MP says

Joe Robertson MP said "diminished" timetables and higher costs discouraged tourism

A bill to regulate ferry firms would boost income from tourists who are deterred by reduced timetables and higher fares, an MP has said.

Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, is due to introduce his Ten Minute Rule Motion in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill would set up a framework to regulate routes throughout the country.

The MP said currently there was "no accountability or control over pricing or any aspect" of how ferries are run.

He said: "The ferry companies could in theory close up shop, sell off the land for housing and call it a day if that was more profitable.

"I suspect if they tried to do that the government would be forced to step in and do something.

"But there is no obligation they have to anyone, so that means we've got prices like £400 return to bring a car back and forth [between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight] on peak weekends."

Mr Robertson said "diminished" timetables and higher costs discouraged tourism, "shutting off the island economy".

He said private equity groups, who run some ferry firms, were allowed to set higher fares at busy times, penalising people who travel for family emergencies.

The MP complained: "Of course, the ferry companies say, 'Well, if you book in advance, it's much cheaper'.

"Well, you know, sometimes you don't know when your grandmother's going to fall ill. She doesn't notify you two months in advance she's going to fall ill on 3 December."

"So, their attitude doesn't seem to understand the realities of living on the island."

The MP said there was "no accountability" over how ferries are run

Wightlink, which operates routes serving Fishbourne, Ryde and Yarmouth, said 90% of island resident journeys involved fixed price or discounted tickets.

It said it introduced a £40 fixed price vehicle ticket exclusively for Isle of Wight residents in the summer.

The firm, which admitted tourism had declined over the past 20 years, said it welcomed suggestions about how to continue to improve its services.

Red Funnel, which sails to Cowes and East Cowes, said it offered islanders discounted travel on up to 20 crossings per day.

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