Ferry consultation responses released

05 November 2010

The Economic Development Department, in conjunction with the Guernsey Commerce and Employment Department, have today (5 November) released an analysis of the responses to the ferry consultation that took place last summer. 

Summary of consultation responses

A total of 373 people took part in the online survey and another 3 returned paper versions of the survey form. The majority (56%) of replies came from Jersey residents, with 18% from Guernsey and a further 26% from France, the UK and elsewhere.

These online survey responses showed that:

1. the majority of respondents across both islands believed that levels of service need to be above that justified by purely commercial considerations and any reduction in present levels of service in order to reduce costs was not favoured
2. on whether or not the current level of fares was justified by the present levels of service: two-thirds of Guernsey respondents thought so; three-quarters of Jersey respondents did not think so
3. a significant majority of respondents from Jersey considered that the option for competition on both the UK and French routes should be maintained (ie no operator should be granted a monopoly). Respondents from Guernsey were evenly split on competition on the UK route with a slight majority in favour of retaining the option on the French route
4. in the event of an additional operator coming onto either route respondents from both islands favoured that operator being obliged to match the level of service of the incumbent
5. Jersey respondents were evenly split on whether independent regulation of sea routes should be introduced whilst nearly 80% of Guernsey respondents were against independent regulation

The survey also allowed for freeform comments, and a noticeable proportion of these comments related to Jersey residents’ concerns about the southern (St Malo) route. Separate written submissions were received from 13 organisations and 8 individuals.

Detailed information about consultation responses

You can download and read all the comments for which we have authorisation to publish. These include the summary to the questions asked, as well as additional comments made by individuals on the survey. You can also read the longer responses submitted by individuals and organisations.  

Responses to the ferry consultation (government and administration section)

What steps will be taken by the departments

The departments are currently holding discussions with Condor Ferries to get their views on issues raised in the consultation responses and how they would propose to address them. There will also continue to be liaison with the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA), the Guernsey Office of Utility Regulation (OUR) and other relevant organisations. The departments will then consider what action needs to be taken immediately and in preparation for expiration of the current permits and agreements at the end of 2013.