EURO-MPS GIVE BOAT PASSENGERS NEW RIGHTS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jul 2010

North East Euro MP Fiona Hall has welcomed last night's vote in the European Parliament to give people travelling by boat more rights, from 2012. The Liberal Democrat MEP says that the new rules will give boat passengers similar rights to those which helped thousands of air passengers during the recent disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano.

The new rights for travellers by boat include the right to rerouting or refunds when faced with long waits and specified compensation in the event of more severe delays. Disabled passengers secure the right to free assistance. MEPs said that operators must also cover the costs of overnight stays up to €80 (£66) per night if this becomes necessary.

Commenting after the vote, Fiona said:

"This is great news for travellers taking ferries out of Tyneside or indeed crossing water anywhere in the EU. Today's vote gives people travelling by boat similar rights to those travelling by plane. Passengers that are left stranded through no fault of their own can rest assured that their trips won't turn into a nightmare.

"Boat passengers will be compensated for severe delays and given assistance to reach their destinations. These new rights will ensure that operators do all that is within their power to fulfil their obligations towards customers."

The Regulation also means that disabled boat passengers must be given free assistance at ports, provided the carrier or port operator is notified 48 hours before boarding.

Fiona hailed this as a victory for equal rights:

"Action at an EU level has ensured that people with disabilities are given the assistance they need to help overcome the obstacles that can arise when travelling by boat."

MEPs also considered similar legislation for bus and coach travel but failed to reach agreement with Member States ministers. Representatives from the European Parliament and European Council will now hold conciliation meetings in an effort to hammer out a deal.

Ends.

Notes to editors:

The new rules will enter into force in 2012. Passenger boats carrying over 12 passengers come under the rules, with exceptions for excursion and sightseeing tours and boats with less than 3 crew members. Boat passengers will have more rights than currently stipulated under EU law for air passengers, as in the latter case there is no compensation for flight delays (only for cancellations).

Delays or cancellations of boat trips

Under the rules, when a regular passenger boat or ferry service is cancelled or over 90 minutes late in departing, the passengers will have the right to be rerouted (in order to reach the destination earlier) or to receive back the ticket cost and not to travel (or else to return to the initial port of departure at the company's cost). This will not apply in the case of weather delays or other conditions outside the operator's control. Passengers must also be given snacks or meals, wherever possible.

In addition, regardless of whether they choose to travel or not, the passengers will be entitled to compensation of 25% of the ticket price for:

• journeys scheduled to last up to 4 hours which are delayed at arrival for at least an hour;

• journeys scheduled to last 4 to 8 hours which are delayed at arrival for at least two hours;

• journeys scheduled to last 8 to 24 hours which are delayed at arrival for at least three hours;

• journeys scheduled to last over 24 hours which are delayed at arrival for at least six hours.

If the delay is over double these minimum times, passengers will be entitled to compensation of half the ticket price.

The compensation will have to be paid in money if the passenger demands it. Additionally, if because of the delay passengers have to stay overnight before completing their journey, the operator will have to pay for their hotel expenses up to €80 per night (for not more than 3 nights).

Rights of people with disabilities or reduced mobility

The regulation states that disability may not be used as a reason for denying a passenger the right to board. Free assistance must be provided to disabled people in ports, on condition that the carrier or the port operator is notified when the reservation is made or at least 48 hours before boarding. This will also apply to cruise passengers.