Residents and motorists in East Cowes could see a reprieve from the chaotic traffic gridlock later, as cross-Solent operator Red Funnel plans to bring the Red Eagle back to service.
The ferry was removed from the route earlier following a technical fault, and some passengers heading between East Cowes and Southampton were warned to face delays of 12 hours as a result.
The resulting queues of passengers navigating through the already disrupted traffic network in the town contributed to the bedlam being experienced, causing businesses to close and bus services to be suspended.
A Red Funnel spokesperson said:
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers travelling with us today. Our technical teams have worked hard to make the necessary repairs, and we can confirm that Red Eagle is expected to return to service today and is scheduled for departure from Southampton at 16:00.
“Poor weather and Island roadworks have also contributed to the traffic congestion in East Cowes today and we are deeply sorry that our disruption has added to the already difficult situation. Our teams on the ground are doing everything possible to keep traffic and our service moving. We also continue to advise all customers with a booking for today to check the service status on our website and confirm their revised departure and suggested arrival time as we still expect to experience delays throughout the evening as we catch up to our timetable.
“We wish to thank all affected passengers and particularly residents in East Cowes for their patience and understanding.”
Further good news for those in the town is that Clarence Road, which was closed to facilitate the repair of a burst water main by Southern Water, is understood to be reopening.
Don’t believe a word of it
Traffic is a joke in east cowes at the moment was waiting for the route 5 bus got on it and so far been on it over an hour and moved a matter of 200 yards….. sort it out island roads and Isle of Wight council!!
Absolute chaos by the sound of it. Ok, a burst water main can’t be helped, but all the road works, well, its a nightmare getting around the island at this moment in time. Increased traffic on the roads due to holiday makers…..aaaarrrrgh!!!!!!
It’s about time the ferry and utility companies were forced to recompense all those inconvenienced by their incompetent actions.
Red Funnel have become a shambles since the latest chief exec took over
Was caught it the shambles in Southampton earlier this afternoon, took 30 minutes to get into terminal.
There was none one of staff communicating with us at all.
Cars that arrived after me was boarded before me.
Absolute pandemonium staff nowhere in sight or giving us fare paying customers any information of what was happening!
When finally got on board no social distancing or any Covid rules being followed.
Was glad to get off ferry & back to Covid rules & some form of safety.
As for people who don’t believe or been in the situation have no valid reason to say anything ( just trolls) wanting to be big kniw it alls.
Well mr.sausage, I hope you had a very good reason for leaving the island to start with ? Bringing all that crap home with you (germs and people). If you did not have a really good and valid reason,then you deserve everything you get and more!
Sooner a tunnel the better
Bad service and huge expense