Both of the Isle of Wight’s MPs have written to the Labour Government calling for a pause to controversial new ferry charges set to be introduced this Summer, warning they will unfairly impact Island residents and visitors.
In a joint letter sent to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, East Wight MP Joe Robertson and West Wight MP Richard Quigley raised concerns about the introduction of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to maritime travel from 1st July.
The move, previously reported by Island Echo, will see ferry operator Wightlink add up to £3.50 per return crossing as a separate ETS charge.
The MPs say the Isle of Wight will be uniquely affected, with the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route expected to fall fully within the scope of the scheme due to vessel size.
They warn this would make it ‘the only ferry route in the entire UK’ subject to the charge in full, despite cross-Solent travel already being among the most expensive in Europe.
In their letter, the MPs acknowledge the environmental aims of the scheme but highlight practical limitations, including a lack of charging infrastructure.
They state there is currently no battery charging grid capacity in Portsmouth or Southampton, and none is expected until the mid-2030s, meaning ferry operators cannot realistically transition away from carbon-emitting vessels in the near future.
Reference is also made to Wightlink’s hybrid vessel, Victoria of Wight, which cannot utilise its battery capabilities for crossings due to the lack of shoreside charging.
The MPs say they have already urged the Government to reconsider the timing of the policy, particularly as discussions are ongoing around ferry affordability. They point to a series of round table meetings being organised by the Department for Transport, led by former Maritime and Coastguard Agency boss Brian Johnson, aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over cross-Solent travel costs.
According to the letter, imposing additional charges at this stage risks undermining the whole purpose of those meetings.
While acknowledging that ferry operators themselves contribute to high prices, the MPs stress that any avoidable extra charges imposed externally should be avoided. They also cite rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict as an additional pressure that was not anticipated when the ETS changes were planned.
The MPs are now calling on the Government to pause the implementation of the scheme for Isle of Wight ferry routes, or at the very least delay it until after the affordability discussions have concluded.
Excluding the new Levy
WHY DOES IT COST AN ISLANDER £80.00 FOR A TRIP
ACROSS THE SOLENT BY CAR
IT’S SUCH A SHORT DISTANCE – WHY CHARGE SO MUCH!!
Because the Shareholders want their bonuses. It’ll never change. It’ll always be a rip off
Fcuk the shareholders they need to look after island
residents.
That is so true, neither one of the Island MPs
can help the cause, they themselves pay F’ ALL
all paid for by us tax payers.
I think there is an issue inasmuch as those in Government, or who work for central government, do not appreciate the the IOW is an offshore island, unlike, for example, the Isle of Dogs (not even and island), Isle of Sheppey or Hayling Island, all served by road access. Despite the short distance from the mainland, the only way to get to and from the IOW is by sea (or air for the mega-rich) and we are totally at the behest of three private companies. I think our MPs need to push the geographic reality and unique transport situation that exists.
decades ago the IW Council fought for ” seperation by sea” funding — nothing happened, the Government couldnt see how much extra expense was incurred for – additional equipment needed from Mainland to Island such as fire and ambulance requirements together with ongoing costs to Islanders travelling to Mainland for necessary health and other requirements not available on the Island. NOTHING HAPPENED, No one listens to the 140000 Island residents still suffering
Oh bet the powers that be are quaking in their boots now . The olde chocolate teapot has spoken. They will take no notice of this minion and he will be gone at the next election. Quigerly the clock is ticking Liebor out asap.
Another tax brought in by Labour to ensure taxes under them are at an all time record high. Labour is for the shirkers and not for the workers Britain will be bankrupt shortly, Inflation going up interest rates going up household fuel and motoring fuel going up along with unemployment .Wait and see what you Labour voters have done to the UK. Getting a lot worse before it gets better(unless you are on benefits).
Old croney Blair is going after Benefit claimants
after all he is Labour’s REAL boss
Yet another Tax . Tax tax tax and just how does it aid the environment. .. so much for Wightlink’s Green Hybrid environmental friendly ferry’s .
I am waiting for them to introduce a FART tax
Sales of Baked Beans will plummet
Lol