Portsmouth In Tier 3 - What The Ferries Say About Isle Of Wight Travel

Following confirmation that Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport are to move into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, the Island's cross-Solent operators have been setting out what it means for those needing to travel.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the Island is to remain in the lowest level of the Government's tiered structure - Tier 1.

But with those across the water moving into the highest level, it has led to questions over whether Islanders can travel to the mainland - or whether residents there can travel here.

Hovertravel and Wightlink, which run services to Southsea and Portsmouth respectively, say they do not have the powers to question where passengers are going from, travelling to, or the reason why.

Hovertravel

Hovertravel says it will continue to operate as it has done throughout the pandemic.

Can Hovertravel stop people travelling between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight?

Hovertravel has no authority to question its passengers regarding where they are travelling from, why they are travelling and where they are going.  It says it is asking its customers to Hover responsibly and observe the current Government restrictions at all times.

Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for work?

As the Government advice states, if you are unable to work from home, you can travel to work.

Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for hospital appointments?

The Government and NHS are asking people to keep attending their booked hospital appointments and Hovertravel continues to work with the Wessex Cancer Trust, ferrying patients to the QA hospital in Portsmouth.

Can I travel between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for day trips, visiting friends & family or shopping?

The Government is asking residents in Tier 3 areas to avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible. However, people that need to travel to a Tier 1 must follow Tier 3 rules. Travel to Tier 1 can only be made for work; for education; to access voluntary, charitable or youth services; because of caring responsibilities; for moving home; to visit your support bubble; for a medical appointment or treatment

Can I travel between Portsmouth and Isle of Wight at Christmas?

Between 23 and 27 December, you may travel between tiers if necessary to meet with other households in your Christmas bubble or return home. Once at your destination, you should follow the rules in that tier. Access the latest government travel information.

Wightlink 

Wightlink says it will continue to remind customers that they shouldn't travel unless essential.

A statement reads:

"The UK Government has announced that Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant will move into Tier 3 from Saturday 19 December. 

"Wightlink is already reminding customers that the Government advice to people living in Tier 3 areas is that they should not travel outside their area.  

"This requirement now applies to those who live in Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant."

Isle of Wight Council

The Isle of Wight Council is asking people not travel to and from the Isle of Wight to a Tier 3 area unless it is for work, health or other exempt reasons.

Council leader, Dave Stewart said:

“I would urge people to take personal responsibility over the next few weeks - just because you can travel does not mean that you have to - please think about what you can do to protect yourself and others.

“Please do not travel from the Island to a Tier 3 area for Christmas shopping - there are so many local businesses and food and drink providers that we can all support this Christmas.

“Any attempt to stretch the rules could result in a further lockdown in January and bring more pressure to many businesses that are already in a fragile position as a result of the trading challenges they have already faced this year. They have worked extremely hard to maintain Covid-safe premises and I thank them for that.

“We are working in partnership with colleagues from the police to mitigate any issues caused by people travelling between tiers. That includes ferry operators and other partner agencies - this is all about informing people of the restrictions that are in place and asking them to play their part by adhering to the rules."

Isle of Wight MP

Reacting to the Tier 1 announcement, Bob Seely said:

“It's right that the Isle of Wight has retained its Tier One status and I thank Ministers for continuing to listen.

"This is good news for residents who can continue to benefit from more relaxed rules, but it is also good for our local businesses who can continue to trade under lighter restrictions. With the first of the Covid-19 vaccinations now being administered to Islanders, I hope that we are now at the beginning of the end in defeating the virus - which is the best Christmas present we could ask for. 

“However, I will be talking to the police and the Council about the situation now that neighbouring areas on the mainland are in Tier Three. I would also urge residents living in areas near us, including Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant please not to visit the Island until restrictions in these areas change, unless it is for essential reasons.

“I am very well aware of how responsible Island businesses have been in ensuring that they can serve their customers safety. We will welcome back visitors from Tier Three areas as soon as those restrictions have been lifted.

"We, on the Island, also need to be mindful when visiting Tier Two and Tier Three areas. We should not be going to areas with higher infections rates unless it is for essential reasons. We don’t want to be doing Christmas shopping and bringing COVID back to the Island, especially since one in three people who have it do not know they have it."