Following the denial by Natural England earlier today that they are not responsible for imposing the 16,500 ferries pa limit on the Yarmouth and Lymington route, this response just in from Kerry Jackson at Wightlink.
“We note Natural England’s views. The 21 month process which has led finally to a section 106 agreement that satisfies Natural England’s requirements has resulted in the number of sailings being restricted to 16,500 per annum.
“Wightlink has consistently argued that the ferries are not having an effect on the integrity of the European sites that surround the Lymington Estuary. It has presented evidence to this effect to the public inquiry that starts on Tuesday.
Public inquiry starts on Tuesday
“Wightlink has worked with Natural England’s predictions which are highly precautionary in order that the issues involved in this case can be brought to a resolution, but in the light of Natural England’s highly precautionary approach and its belief that the ferries are not having an adverse effect on the integrity of the European sites, Wightlink has sought a higher trip limit of 18,000”.
