New measures controlling how passengers and vehicles embark and disembark the Cowes floating bridge have been brought in following a complaint from a single local resident.
The unnamed local made a complaint regarding vehicles and passengers leaving or boarding the vessel at the same time. Following guidance from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the new measures mean passengers and vehicles will now embark and disembark separately, which could lead to longer crossing times in the immediate future warn the Isle of Wight Council.
With immediate effect, foot passengers are now let off first and once they have left, vehicles are then allowed off. Waiting passengers then board the floating bridge, followed by any vehicles. Previously, passengers and vehicles boarded or disembarked the vessel at the same time.
Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for economy and tourism said:
“Although the council already had measures in place to control how passengers and vehicles leave or embark the floating bridge in a safe manner at the same time, we are responding to the MCA’s recommendations about the matter following this complaint.
“This may initially result in a slower service while the measures are introduced and our customers get used to the changes.”
Meanwhile, the floating bridge will be out of service for around three days from 09:00 on Tuesday (7th April) for its annual maintenance and inspection by the MCA.
