PM pledges 'serious look' at island ferry fares

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to "look seriously" at a proposal to regulate fare prices for cross-Solent ferries.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson said regulatory measures would "put passengers first".

Ferry operators Red Funnel and Wightlink have faced criticism over reliability of services and the price of fares.

Burnham said public control in the transport sector had allowed him to reduce bus fares when he was mayor of Greater Manchester. Wightlink said it recognised how important reliable and affordable ferry travel is.

Asking a question after the prime minister addressed the House of Commons for the first time since taking power, Robertson said the price of fares was the "number one cost-of-living issue" for islanders.

"The price of travelling to and from the Isle of Wight - astronomical, harming our tourism economy, restricting access to health and education."

"Will he at least be open to creating regulatory powers so that we can control prices that are currently levied by private equity companies?"

In reply, the prime minister urged Roberston to "bring me a proposal" on how fares could be regulated.

"I will look seriously at it, because I understand completely how critical that is to opportunity and growth both on the island and also on the mainland."

Following the prime minister's comments, Robertson told the BBC, Burnham's reply was "very significant".

"He gets our problem. We're the only community in the whole of the UK reliant entirely on on unregulated private equity interests for essential transport."

He said he would be writing to the government with a basic proposal around regulation.

"It's about regulatory powers created by government and either retained by government or devolved to a combined mayor authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

Robertson previously introduced a private members bill aimed at bringing the regulation of boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses.

A meeting of the Cross Solent Transport Group involving local MPs, the Department for Transport, ferry companies and other organisations is due to be held later this month.

Wightlink's chief executive Katy Taylor said it recognised "how important reliable and affordable ferry travel" is for residents, businesses and the island economy.

"Like many transport businesses, we face significant cost pressures, including rising fuel costs, increases in national insurance and business rates, the introduction of the Government's emissions levy and broader increases in operating costs, while continuing to provide reliable, year-round services," she added.

Red Funnel have been approached for comment.

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