Competition law is to be temporarily suspended to allow ferry operators to maintain a crucial lifeline between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
The government is temporarily suspending competition law to allow ferry operators in the island to work together and maintain a crucial lifeline between the island and the mainland during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly reduced demand for the day-to-day services provided by the 3 operators—Hovertravel, Wightlink, and Red Funnel. Possible staff absences due to self-isolation and illness are also likely to pose a challenge to keeping these essential ferry services going.
The relaxation of rules under the Competition Act 1998 will help ferry operators to continue to run essential services despite reduced usage during the virus, maintaining a vital route for those who cannot work from home and those needing medical treatment.
It will also mean the operators can work together to allow for essential food, freight, and medical supplies to be transported between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
The operators will be able to discuss and agree routes and coordinate staff resourcing to ensure that ferries will still run regularly across the Solent, delivering a critical service on which Isle of Wight residents depend.
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