Andrew Turner, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Isle of Wight today slammed the decision of Red Funnel to withdraw their Green, Silver and Gold travel cards that gave year round fixed price travel for vehicles. Red Funnel plan to introduce a new single card that only gives a discount against published prices.
Mr Turner believes this will lead to huge price increases for many travellers. He learned of the changes only when Islanders started calling his office yesterday after they had received letters advising them that their current cards would be withdrawn.
Mr Turner said:
"I am extremely angry about this decision.

"The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) made it clear last year that one factor they took into account in deciding against a full investigation, was that both Wightlink and Red Funnel had tickets that allowed Islanders to take vehicles across the Solent at a fixed price all year round. This removes that option.

"In addition Red Funnel has undertaken no consultation on this, despite assuring the OFT that they were committed to improving customer satisfaction. They said they wanted to work with interested parties; this action makes a mockery of their words. I offered both Red Funnel and Wightlink my help with any consultations they wished to undertake - I have a database of over 9,000 people and businesses who supported my submission to the OFT. Neither company has taken me up on that offer.

"Kenneth Clarke well understood these issues and how the Island relies on the ferries, and my submission had cross-party support. I will not let this matter rest should I be re-elected on May 6th.

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Contact : Andrew Turner's campaign office 01983 522404 or mobile 07799 866466