Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed confirmation from Transport Minister Graeme Dey MSP that motorhomes and caravans will be restricted from using "standby" lanes for ferries.

Standby lanes are generally used by CalMac to allow for use the spaces of those who haven't turned up for their booked journey, and this primarily benefits islanders who often have to travel at short notice. However, over the summer there have been reports of motorhomes parking in the standby queues at ferry terminals overnight.

From now on, for all bookable CalMac routes motorhomes and caravans will not be given standby or waitlist positions on the day of sailing.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The standby lanes for ferries, while limited, are aimed primarily at helping islanders, since they more often need to travel at short notice while visitors tend to book far in advance.

“I have been receiving reports of motorhomes parking in the standby queues at ports overnight, exploiting the fact they are able to sleep in their vehicles and queue ahead of everyone else.

“This isn’t what the standby lanes are supposed to be for, and I am glad to see this particular loophole closed.”

 

Twitter latest

Newsletter

Subscribe to Alasdair's mailing list

By ticking this box you confirm you would like to receive updates from Alasdair Allan MSP by

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at alasdair.allan.msp@parliament.scot. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.