AQW 5748/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 21/07/2020
Answered On Date: 29/07/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) why Strangford village is regularly gridlocked by Strangford ferry queues; (ii) when regular traffic management to stop gridlock will be provided; and (iii) to specify the reasons for not returning to the Pre-COVID-19 ferry timetable.

Answer:

Queuing of ferry traffic through Strangford village does occur at times, but I am advised it tends to be infrequent and short-lived. Queues occur when demand exceeds the capacity of the ferry, for example during spring and summer holiday weekends.

Traffic management measures were implemented in 2016, aimed at facilitating traffic progression during periods of increased demand for the ferry. This included provision of additional road markings and parking restrictions in Strangford village. In 2017 enhanced measures were introduced for use during predicted busy periods, including managing traffic into the marshalling area away from the main town, to hold vehicles until the next ferry sailing. During the recent busy July holiday weekends, additional resources were deployed to help manage traffic and implement more frequent sailings by using a ‘load and go’ system.

Unfortunately the ferry service has experienced significant disruption primarily due to a reduction in the number of crew available, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and shielding. The ferry service must operate in accordance with the requirements of its licence, issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew. A minimum of four crew members, each certified as competent by the MCA, are required for the vessel to operate. Due to the need to ensure availability of this minimum crew number from a reduced pool, while providing a reliable and sustainable service, it was necessary to introduce the temporary reduced timetable. This timetable has primarily focused on morning and evening traffic peaks, to facilitate those travelling to and from work and other essential users. The midday break is necessary, as the ferry is being operated each day by a single crew. The Department is working to safely resume the ferry timetable to pre-Covid-10 levels as quickly as possible.