MP Bob Seely has asked the Government to consider the future operation of the Isle of Wight ferries to address the long-term issues that Islanders face with often unreliable and high-cost ferry services.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Seely asked Maritime Minister, Robert Courts, to consider the need for a public service obligation on vehicle and passenger services between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
Mr Seely asked the Minister: “Is it right that we have, in the Isle of Wight ferry services, a public service without any sense of public service obligation, and can he tell me of a single example elsewhere in the UK where you have a true lifeline service with no public service obligation attached to those services?”
The Minister replied: “The service provision to the Island is a matter for the local council working with service operators, nonetheless the Government will continue to monitor the service on this route.”
Speaking afterwards Mr Seely said: “It is clear that we need to do something to make lifeline ferry services to and from the Island more reliable and more affordable. One of the options, and possibly the best option, is a public service obligation.”
