ELDERLY and vulnerable people are too scared to travel on Isle of Wight car ferries, due to having to leave their cars and join other passengers in the lounges or decks.

This is according to Newport pensioner Jan Harper Whale, who explained her situation.

She said: "I know I am speaking for many shielders on the Island. We would be so grateful if you could highlight our genuine sorrow.

"As a high-risk and vulnerable 70-year-old resident on the Island, who is also disabled, I have been isolating since early March. "Now, suddenly we are 'safe' to travel, despite the death toll, and despite the rebellion against face masks being worn by many people.

"The World Health Organisation said to avoid crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces. All of these apply to Isle of Wight ferries.

"One, just one, transmission would see any vulnerable at-risk resident, who are forced out of their cars, face intubation and death. It is that simple.

"The safest way for vulnerable passengers to travel to see relatives, is to remain in their cars.

"Many high-risk residents are feeling shattered by this prohibition and feeling imprisoned on the Island, unable to visit grandchildren or relatives, not seen for many months.

"We were told only essential workers could travel on the ferries from early March. We stayed put. Now, we are too frightened to travel."

Mrs Harper Whale's points were put to Red Funnel and Wightlink.

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: "Given the current demand for travel, and for safety reasons, we regret we are unable to continue to offer the twice-daily ‘stay in vehicle’ crossings."

She said it was temporarily implemented as an exceptional measure during lockdown.

Now, it is no longer possible due to the volume of vehicles and freight the ferries are required to carry throughout the day.

In alignment with government’s change to shielding recommendations, Red Funnel is returning to its normal mode of operation

from August 1.

Ms Collins said: "To support social distancing, we are operating at reduced capacity onboard our ferries — 53 per cent of our regular capacity on Red Jet and 45 per cent of our normal capacity on our vehicle ferries.

"Among other measures, we have also increased cleaning schedules, brought in social distance markings, and all staff are equipped with PPE.

"Our ferries have plenty of fresh air circulating, plus the added option of outside decks. Face coverings are also mandatory, by law, when onboard and will be required inside terminals from Friday.

“For passengers that are vulnerable and travelling for NHS appointments, we are able to offer a limited exemption for them to request to stay inside their vehicle."

A spokesperson for Wightlink said: "Wightlink believes the best place for customers to spend the crossing is in our large passenger lounges or outside decks, where there is plenty of room.

"We have further capped passenger numbers to give customers even more space.

"Ships are cleaned frequently and to high standards, hand sanitisers are available and there are facilities for customers to wash their hands.

"If you have a specific medical condition which requires you to remain in your vehicle, you need to tell us at least 48 hours before travel and we will try to accommodate your request.

"It is up to the Captain to decide whether to allow this, taking account of the other freight we are carrying and passengers on board. You may be asked to travel at a slightly different time to allow us to meet your request.

"It was Wightlink's decision to return to the usual sailing arrangement with customers vacating their vehicles to cross the Solent in the lounges or outside decks.

"The agreement with Wightlink’s regulator, the MCA, to allow people to stay in their cars, was made on a temporary basis at the beginning of the pandemic when very few people were travelling."

Both ferry operators have the We're Good to Go standard.