Competition needed for ferries – MP
A CITY MP is calling for more ferry competition in the wake of strike action which left hundreds of passengers stranded.
Oliver Colvile, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said Brittany Ferries should face competition on routes out of Plymouth.
He is writing to Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary, asking for greater competition on the Plymouth-Santander and Plymouth-Roscoff routes operated by the company.
Brittany Ferries resumed crossings earlier this month after ten days of suspended services.
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A series of wildcat strikes broke out during September as French crews protested over planned company cutbacks.
They and union chiefs are angry about moves by Brittany Ferries bosses that would slash their working hours and affect staff benefits.
At one stage Brittany Ferries was forced to tie up its entire fleet as a result of the strike, leaving hundreds of city-bounds passengers in France.
The ferry company estimates around 34,000 passengers were affected by the strike action, which cost loss-making Brittany Ferries millions of pounds.
Tory MP Mr Colvile said: I think competition would improve industrial relations.
"You wouldn't have on operator with a monopoly. Also, in future strikes passengers would have an alternative way to get back to Britain."
Mr Colvile said competition would benefit passengers by driving down costs and improving the service.
Brittany Ferries group managing director Martine Jourdren said after the strike was over: "The company has worked hard to negotiate an agreement with the unions which achieves the cost savings and productivity improvements that we were seeking, as well as removing the prospect of any further strike action.
"We know that we have to work hard to regain the confidence of many of our customers, but equally I am very gratified by the huge number of appreciative messages that we have received from those who have been impressed by our attempts to look after them."
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Comments
by beowulfonline
Friday, October 19 2012, 5:11PM
“Dear old Ollie. He'd be able laugh a minute if he had a clue. Just how are passengers and freight meant to get to Millbay Ollie when Ministers consistently ignore Plymouth's transport needs?”
by Jannerbear
Thursday, October 18 2012, 5:20PM
“Oi Fatboy stop being the party member and going on about competition etc and bloody do something for the people you represent not making ill thought out comments.
How about concentrating on the roads, railways and even airport in this city like others have suggested
Wouldnt surprise me if he has links to an alternative company who may or may not in the future fund 'above board' cricket trips.
Useless waste of space the sooner he is got rid of the better.”
by bikerlad707
Thursday, October 18 2012, 5:34AM
“come off it Oliver Colvile ! so many people have used Brittany Ferries just like myself , loads of times.
there is not enuff traffic to even think of competition, but if you want to drive out the only life saver we have to be able to go to France , you are going the right way to do just that .
it is after all a company who have been running out of Plymouth for years .
so dont forse them to pull out of Plymouth after all we want a service from our home town ! not to have to go to Dover 300 miles away.
yes they have a problem but given the chance they will sort it .
i support Brittany Ferries . & i use them”
by Waltersmith
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 12:16PM
“@niugnepyzarc
The law of supply and demand appears to be beyond many MPs level of understanding.
The port of Portsmouth is heaving because it has great access to the SE and the Midlands and its large populations (hence DEMAND) - the result is that there are many ferries sailing from Portsmouth (SUPPLY).
The port of Plymouth is nearly empty because it has poor access to the SE and Midlands (a lack of demand) - the result is few ferries (SUPPLY).
Now I am sure even an MP can understand that”
by niugnepyzarc
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 11:49AM
“I'm confused why ask the government for competition on the route? The government don't own any ferry companies to my knowledge, surly it would be better to appeal to other operators to come down here and use Plymouth as a base? more busy work by a minister pretending hes making a difference when in actuality hes achieving sod all.
And like nevman says its about supply and demand, if ferry services to/from plymouth were frequent sell outs and there was a demand for it im sure another operator would come here, what is mr colvile expecting to happen? the government to magic a ferry company out of the ground to compete with Brittany ferries?”
by Waltersmith
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 11:06AM
“BF have cut back on services through Plymouth (only one ferry to Spain and a reduction in the peak season services to Roscoff). Ollie should be using his clout in improving the road links to this city as this is why there are less people using Plymouth as a ferry port”
by Nevman
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 11:03AM
“As a representative of the party of business, poor old Olly doesn't seem to have much grasp of the concept of supply and demand.”
by timplymouth
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 9:38AM
“It would be nice but I doubt it's economically viable”
by JonnyGlenholt
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 9:25AM
“Given the amount of time Olly spent in France and Gibralter this summer talking to expat voters, shouldn't he be declaring a personal interest on this issue?”