Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel look set to reduce the services they provide as stricter COVID restrictions come into force.
The Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Board has issued a joint statement with the Isle of Wight Council this afternoon (Monday) confirming that cross-Solent operators are likely to make announcements about service reductions ‘shortly’.
Christopher Garnett, board chairman, has said:
“In light of the latest tiering arrangements and associated travel restrictions affecting Portsmouth, Gosport and other parts of the south east, all cross-Solent ferry operators are reviewing their scheduling and are likely to make announcements about service reductions shortly.
“The regulations published yesterday (Sunday) set out very clearly that people should not travel to/from a Tier 4 area apart from very limited exemptions, such as for work, education or to attend medical appointments.
“Neither the council or the ferry operators have the powers to enforce these regulations but have been working closely together to get the right messaging to people reminding them of these rules for travelling and will continue to do so.
“In the meantime, the council is in discussions with the Department for Transport regarding funding so that lifeline services to and from the Island can be maintained for those who need to travel for legally permitted reasons.”
Amid a surge in what the government believes to be a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus, there is strong encouragement for everyone to stay local this Christmas, no matter where they live.
People must follow the rules for their tier, even when visiting a different area. People should not travel from Tier 3 to the Isle of Wight while visitors from Tier 2 must adhere to the tougher Tier 2 rules during their stay.
Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart has said:
“It is vitally important everyone adheres to the new rules and continues to live with caution to #keeptheislandsafe. I would also ask that you think very carefully about your Christmas plans this year and stay local.
“It’s crucial that we all take the necessary steps to protect the public’s health – particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable. It’s the right thing to do.
“Our message is clear – #keeptheIslandsafe. It needs you to make the right choice this Christmas and live within the guidelines.”
about time
Bit late now – they’re all here now – infecting us all. End of the world is happening before your eyes
Reducted?
We’ve got our money from the ‘sudden rush’ of bookings, so now we’ll “do the right thing” and reduce service availability!
Not being cynical or anything…
The council and ferry companies have no authority so basically this means their going to do f@%# all again. And then the council tax and ferry fares will be going up to fund these Muppets
Not so helpful for those in the haulage industry that are still trying to get bookings!
QUOTE “Neither the council or the ferry operators have the powers to enforce these regulations but have been working closely together to get the right messaging to people reminding them of these rules for travelling and will continue to do so.”
and in a previous post, the police are refusing to enforce the new rules, what chance do we have of keeping the island safe and ending this pandemic if no one will take responsibility for enforcing the rules. I hope the council, ferry operators and police can live with the knowledge that their refusal to enforce the rules will result in unnecessary deaths.
No wonder criminals want to come to this country, because you can get away with murder !
Whats it they say shut the stable door after the horse has bolted lol
Tooooooo late damage done just like the government dithering
Too little too late. Council should inspect all hotels for new Tier 3 arrivals and kick them off the island.
Happening in other Tier 1 areas.
“Hundreds turned away from Herefordshire’s tier 1 pubs”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-55399709