This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
New measures controlling how passengers and vehicles embark and disembark the Cowes floating bridge have been brought in.
Following a complaint from a local resident that vehicles and passengers left or boarded the vessel at the same time, the measures mean this now happens separately following guidance from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
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.
Expect delays
For the immediate future, it is likely that the crossing times will be longer than previously.
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.”
Annual service
Meanwhile, the floating bridge will be out of service for around three days from 9am on Tuesday 7 April for its annual maintenance and inspection by the MCA. A passenger launch will be in operation, and diversions will be in place for motorists.
The council apologises for any disruption caused.
Image: © With kind permission of Allan Marsh
