Wightlink – Monopolistic? Turner to Darling

Andrew Turner, our island MP, has been plugging away in the House of Commons at Alistair Darling about Wightlink.

wightlinkIn a debate about Local Transport Monopolies, Andrew put on record the value of the purchase (£230m), pointing out that this money can only be recouped from the customers, as is clear from their significant price rises.

He then asked

Does the Secretary of State agree that instead of launching investigations only after the ill effects become apparent, the OFT should keep local transport monopolies under review and ensure a fair deal for local communities?

Alistair Darling said that it’s not just if there is a monopoly (while pointing out that three companies provided services to the Island), but whether those involved are abusing their position. Darling suggestion to Turner – if you think there’s a problem, raise it with the Office of Fair Traiding.

Summary – No further forward, but worth a bash Andrew.