Wightlink Users Group backs Isle of Wight ferry initiative
An Isle of Wight ferry pressure group has welcomed the Islanders’ Charter, an initiative aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over cross-Solent ferry services.
The charter, a collaboration between the IW Council, MPs Joe Robertson and Richard Quigley, and Maritime Minister Mike Kane, sets out clear principles for ferry operators.
It prioritises affordability, reliability, fair pricing and transparency while emphasising the need for investment and accountability.
The Wightlink Users Group (WUG), which has campaigned for improved ferry services for the past two years, praised the charter’s focus on minimum standards and monitoring mechanisms.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to holding elected representatives accountable, ensuring Islanders, businesses and visitors remain at the heart of ferry operations.
A WUG spokesperson said: “We fully support the aims of the charter, which focuses on the needs of the residents, businesses and visitors to the Isle of Wight and makes explicit the need for minimum standards of affordability, reliability and timetabling which are to be set and monitored.”
The Islanders’ Charter establishes a framework for ferry operators that mirrors public transport models in other parts of the UK.
It stops short of dictating specific pricing or timetables but provides guidelines to ensure services align with the unique needs of Islanders.
Council leader Cllr Phil Jordan hailed the initiative as a “significant step forward” in advocating for Islanders’ rights.
He noted, “If ferry operators do truly care about this community, they should have no problem meeting or exceeding these standards.”
MP Richard Quigley highlighted the impact unreliable services have on daily life.
“It’s the most common issue raised with me and is a real barrier to opportunity for Islanders,” he said.
“This charter signals that we’re united, determined, and ready to pursue practical solutions.”
MP Joe Robertson underscored the importance of ferry services as essential lifelines.
He said: “The ferries provide a lifeline service that Islanders are completely dependent on, and they should run individual services which may not be profitable on their own.”
The charter received unanimous backing from the IW Council.
