The urgent need for a comprehensive viability study into a fixed link between the Isle of Wight and the UK mainland has gained significant political backing, as concerns mount over the Island’s deteriorating transport links.
Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley is actively working with Isle of Wight Cabinet Member Debbie Andre, who is leading efforts to push for the study’s progression through the appropriate channels.
The recent ICON report has confirmed that the Isle of Wight East Constituency is the 2nd most deprived in the UK. The situation has now deteriorated to the point where the lack of affordable and reliable connectivity is seriously impacting the Island’s economy and the daily lives of residents. Years of failing ferry services, rising costs, and frequent disruptions have left many businesses struggling and residents increasingly isolated.
Councillor Debbie Andre, for Sandown North, has said:
“The Isle of Wight relies on consistent, reliable and affordable transport links, yet ferry services have repeatedly failed to deliver adequate lifeline services,
“A fixed link could provide a dependable alternative and boost economic growth, but the first step is a detailed, independent study to establish the facts.”
Joe Robertson MP has said:
“With our increasingly expensive and erratic ferry services, I understand why Cllr Debbie Andre is pushing for this study into a fixed link.”
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The proposed study would examine economic, environmental, and logistical factors to determine whether a fixed link is a viable and beneficial solution. It would explore regulation obligations, funding models, and expected benefits for residents, businesses, and tourism.
With the support of the IOW West MP Richard Quigley and Cabinet Member Debbie Andre, there is now an opportunity for real progress.
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the campaign for a Fixed Link Viability Study and voice their opinions, by emailing both [email protected] and their respective MP either [email protected] or [email protected].
Promoted by Debbie Andre of 9, Elmbank Gardens, Sandown. PO36 9SA.
I often wonder why they do not build a turbo electric dam across the stretch of water at western end of the island. Holding area at each end and an hourly passage each way even if it was just for private cars/foot/cycles. Would pay for itself and would be a more likely to attract investors.
Besides personal preferences the need for a fixed link to the mainland is overwhelming in terms of reliability and economical benefits for the island, our ferries get worse by the year with cancellation excuses becoming even more bizarre.
It would create better job prospects for Islanders.
There is great need for a fixed link, the ferry companies have proven they cannot be trusted to supply a reliable, affordable way to cross the Solent.
These companies hold residents to ransom and deter visitors from coming to the Island. This deeply harms the tourist industry, deters mainland companies from investing here and forces the Island’s talented workforce to leave to find a reasonably well paid job on the mainland, further damaging the Islands economy and its people!=.
This could all be solved by a fixed link!
Untill there is an accident on it.
Not a problem, there are bridges much longer
all around the world including some in England.
It’s a no brainer, better for everyone.
A fixed link would be better, but very expensive, can you see this government forking out for it, nope. Oh Red Funnel if you are reading this your accounts are still not showing up yet. Why?
It would generate millions it not billions with
toll charges over the years.
Ridiculous. What happens if there is a lorry fire in the middle which damages it? Could be months before it is repatred.
The Humber Bridge does not have any problems.
Oh dear a car may get a puncture or a stone goes through a windscreen, everyday occurences on our roads, look at the dartford crossing, only ever been closed 11 times in 20 years and two of them were for eco idiots climbing the bridge, I wish the ferries were that relaible.
Be careful what you wish for
I wish for a tunnel or a bridge.
Yes, be careful what you wish for. The islands roads barely cope now.
A better solution would still be a proper ferry service, strictly regulated, and reasonably priced. A first step would be a forensic audit of the accounts of both existing ferry companies, to see where the money is going. Clearly not into reinvestment. The island has been ripped off for too long.
We must be careful that our politicians are working in our interest, and not pushing the issue into the long grass of report after report for other paymasters.
The island is all talk no action.
Sadiq Khan would have had a tunnel or
bridge built years ago, and he would
have put a STOP to Numpty’s speeding and
parking on Double Yellow Lines.
We need a leader with B@lls running the island
not a mouse.