This in from Andrew Turner‘s office, in their own words, Ed
Following the news this week that Wightlink are set to cut sailings on its new Fast-Cat timetable in September, Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP has announced plans to work with other interested parties to ask the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to look at this decision to make further cuts to services.
In 2009 the OFT carried out a detailed market study on cross-Solent ferry services, and although it found that some elements of the market were not working competitively, they decided not to refer the issue to the Competition Commission at that time, as they found ‘limited evidence of actual consumer detriment’.
In response to the allegation made by Mr Turner that services were affected because too much had been paid for the companies, the OFT said that it was ‘too early to tell what repercussions there will be, if any, for service levels and fares in relation to current levels of debt’. It was stressed that the decision made then did not prevent them from looking at the issues again if necessary.
Mr Turner said today :
“For the Island this is death by a thousand cuts. Once again Wightlink have cut important services with no reference to, or consultation with their passengers. This follows cuts to car ferry services in January – also made without consultation.
“Hovertravel recently consulted on changes to their services – when they learnt of the impact it would have on their customers they decided not go ahead with them.
“Red Funnel has maintained services through the night. Taking those factors into account I believe the time is right to ask the OFT to look closely at Wightlink’s decisions, and in particular to consider now whether there is evidence that high debt levels have played a part in them. As time has passed there is now much more evidence available on this aspect of my original complaint.
“However, it became apparent when dealing with the OFT last time that the full support of the Council, as the Island’s transport authority would be extremely important. I will therefore be seeking an urgent meeting with Council group leaders to see if we can make a joint, cross-party submission to the OFT asking for their intervention. That would be far more powerful than acting alone.”
