With so many ferries going back and forth across the Solent every day, we can see that ferry services are well used, but do you have any idea what the total number of passengers each year might be?
Second only to Dover
Figures released by the Department for Transport show that roll on/roll off ferry traffic (including freight) for the Isle of Wight exceeds 9m per annum, only just behind Dover, the UK’s biggest seaport, who has 13m.
Pretty mad eh! But we’re not the only ones to find these figures surprising.
The Island MP, Andrew Turner tells us that he’ll be using them to support debate that the impact of high levels of traffic and people has on the Island’s infrastructure and services.
“We need to plan”
“We need to recognise and plan for the impact which these movements have on our roads, our infrastructure and public services. We have no bridge, no tunnel and no scheduled air services – we are entirely dependent on the ferry companies.
“I have been the first to put pressure on the companies to deliver value for money and regular and reliable services. But I recognise that those same companies need us, the whole community, to come together to plan our future, to make sure that decisions can be taken against a positive and clear background.
“We need to widen and develop the debate”
“Only in a climate of co-operation and sensible discussion can we find the right answers, so I believe we need to widen and develop the debate. We also have a new coalition Government and everybody knows that money is tight, so we need clear-cut information on our current situation and our future plans so that we can argue our case to receive appropriate public services.
“The Isle of Wight Council is opening up discussion on the Island’s economic development plans and consulting on transport plans. I would therefore encourage everybody to join in the discussion on these vital decisions. The outcomes will be important to all of us who live, work and play on our beautiful Island.”
Image: bsabarnowl under CC BY 2.0
