Issue - meetings

Gordon Ross, Western Ferries, provided an update advising that the customer parking area to the west side of the terminal, which had been closed due to covid restrictions, had now been reopened.  He advised that they were currently running the winter timetable and that the summer timetable would run from April.  He advised that in terms of the replacement bus service, passengers would be issued with Western Ferries tickets.  Mr Ross reported that the removal of the road parking from the north side of the terminal would go ahead and they were currently waiting on the Council providing line painters.  In relation to the Rankin Brae signage he told the forum that queuing traffic was more likely when there was a closure on the Rest and Be Thankful.

Graham Revill asked if it was possible for the crew on Western Ferries to request that drivers turn off their engines during the crossing.  Mr Ross advised that there is a safety announcement on the ferries that requests that drivers turn off their engine but during adverse weather conditions many drivers keep their engines running for their own comfort.  He advised that as it was an open vessel there shouldn’t be a build-up of fumes but if there was an issue with excessive fumes then crew could ask for engines to be turned off.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Alistair McLundie, Western Ferries, confirmed that the service was operating as normal with one vessel off for annual dry-docking, the four vessel service would return on 19 November 2021. Mr McLundie advised that Western Ferries are prepared to back up the service with a shuttle service to respond to anticipated increases in demand due to a dancing competition in Hunters Quay on the same day and that aggression towards staff regarding the operation of the reimbursement scheme when the replacement bus service is in use has now been resolved with help from Calmac.

Discussion focused on a point raised at August’s meeting regarding the replacement bus service not stopping at undesignated stops. It was noted that the replacement bus was not operating as a traditional bus service and it was not contracted to stop at undesignated stops. Partners also discussed how waiting times at terminals are impacted on by a range of unpredictable factors and how it was hoped that toilets would be built behind the terminal building, noting that there was no timescales available for this at present.

The Chair updated the Forum on the situation with traffic on Marine Parade advising that Roads are considering removing some parking spaces and installing double yellow lines to widen the carriageway to allow the centre line to be moved to enable a wider bend in the road at the foot of Ardtully Brae. This exercise would also allow the bus stop pole to be aligned with the bus bay. The Chair added that the Rankin’s Brae sign was yet to be agreed but it was likely to advise that queuing traffic could be expected on the A815 Shore Road and that the alternative route to Dunoon is via the A885 High Road.

Outcome

The Forum noted the updates.

Alistair McLundie, Western Ferries, confirmed to the Forum that carrying figures were in line with 2019 figures, with 15 callouts for out of hour sailings to assist ambulance callouts at night in last few months plus an early morning request from the fire service this morning to aid transporting additional appliances to deal with the Argyll Street fire.  He advised that clarity was still required from SPT around concessionary fare increases before deciding how they will implement it; they had offered to pay for the fireworks display once approved by the council; they are having to crack down on misuse of disabled parking spaces at the terminal; and requested that when the replacement bus service is in use that Calmac communicate with their customers how the reimbursement scheme works.

Discussion focused on the impact on customers of an office closure due to essential staff training; that plans for self-cleaning toilets to be installed at Hunters Quay which had been postponed due to covid-19; and how there were difficulties with replacement bus services dropping people off at undesignated stoops between ferry terminals.

Discussion followed on options available to safely control and reduce traffic queuing along Marine Parade waiting to access the ferry, including the options of how to notify road users of queuing traffic through the use of VMS.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the update;

2.    noted that Stewart Wohlgemuth would look to refine communication to Calmac customers when they need to use Western Ferries; and

3.    agreed that the Chair would contact the Roads Department to see what options are available to ease the safety of queuing traffic along Marine Parade, potentially by use of VMS signage that could be managed remotely.

Gordon Ross - Managing Director, Western Ferries, confirmed that the Summer Service timetable was introduced on 26 April 2021 in line with Scottish Government guidance; new offices were open with normal opening times; and outside works had been completed which included mobility parking.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Gordon Ross - Managing Director, Western Ferries confirmed that they are operating a reduced hourly service but half hourly at peak times; traffic numbers are reduced as people are adhering to restrictions and as soon as restrictions are eased they will ramp up service to the normal level. Hunters Quay improvement works are scheduled to be completed in the next couple of weeks with full passenger parking available by the end of February, once travel restrictions are lifted it is the intention to complete the improvement  works to Kilmun.

Discussion focused on the appropriateness of ferry staff questioning traveller intention and that staff are not empowered to make judgments as this power lies with the Police.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Gordon Ross updated the Forum that periods of inclement weather had resulted in a small number of sailings being cancelled and a small issue with a vessel had been quickly resolved. The Forum noted that they had now  moved into new offices and the temporary ticket kiosk had been removed with some works still to be done to the staff parking area. A new bike rack would be installed but disability spaces were now reopen.

Discussion focused how it was hard to predict capacity issues due to closures at the Rest and Be Thankful as this is countered by November being a quiet time of year plus the re-introduction of travel restrictions effecting traffic levels.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

The Forum were invited to note an update from Kirsty Flanagan, Head of Strategic Finance, in response to the Chair’s email of the 4 May 2020 regarding Funding of the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Discussion focused on Western Ferries remaining in operation for key workers during covid-19, which was a testament to all staff, with a continued service after lockdown as lifted restrictions which enabled them to increase the level of service and whilst the Rest and be Thankful is closed saw up to 136 sailings per day. They apologised for slight delays at the terminal.

The Chair, on behalf of the Forum thanked Western Ferries for maintaining a service for essential travel during lockdown then having to go to the other extreme with road closures requiring additional sailings.

Questions were asked if Calmac had provided any additional services and Iain Slorach, Client Manager, Calmac agreed to circulate the protocol from Transport Scotland to the Forum.

In relation to congestion issues at Hunters Quay, the Assistant Network Standards Manager stated that they were in the process of arranging temporary signage to be installed, with a review to be conducted thereafter. Police Scotland confirmed that they would operate on case by case basis but did not intend to martial cars.  In addition the Forum noted that there had been complaints raised about congestion having effects on local bus services.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Gordon Ross, Western Ferries, spoke of his appreciation and gratitude to staff for keeping the service going and keeping Dunoon connected during the shocking weather in January and February.

He spoke about how the funding has been cut for the concessionary card system which is administered by the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Joint Committee but the fund needed to be refinanced as Western Ferries are still not charging the full amount and are currently absorbing some of the costs for card holders. The Forum discussed why there was no reference to this in the council’s budget pack; the need to ensure Cowal is being treated fairly; and how neighbouring councils are dealing with this.

In relation to coronavirus the Forum heard how Western Ferries are attending the Scottish Public Health and NHS meetings twice weekly in Glasgow and they are following self-sanitising processes for business as usual. The contingency plan provides for the company operating the service with a 20% staff absence rate; potential to undertake overnight and daily cleaning of vessels; and continued assistance in transporting emergency services to Gourock.

The Forum further noted that there had been no complaints about disabled parking since their last meeting and it is hoped that the parking bays will be reinstated by mid-summer.

In Michael Breslin’s absence the Chair tabled an update from him as attached to this minute.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the update;

1.    agreed that they would write to Transport Scotland about the funding to Strathclyde Concessionary Joint Committee concessionary ferry card holders in light of the 50p increase; and

2.    agreed to make enquiries about the budget process for Argyll and Bute Council in respect of their contribution to concessionary ferry card funding.

The representatives from Calmac and Western Ferries left the meeting at this point.

Captain McLundie, Western Ferries, spoke regarding the opening of the new linkspan at Hunter’s Quay, now in full use; the drop in passenger numbers for the Cowal Games, potentially related to the bad weather in the morning; the full utilisation of the car park; plans for the new offices, due for completion in March/April 2020; and upcoming winter timetable.

Archie Reid, Strachur Community Council, made reference to the lack of disabled parking.  Captain McLundie advised that the parking was currently being occupied by contractors undertaking works but that he would take away this concern and see what could be arranged to address these.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update and agreed that Captain McLundie would look at the options available for disabled parking.

Gordon Ross reported that of 15,000 sailing between October 2018 to March 2019 only 31 had been cancelled, which was a far better ratio that other service providers. Mr Ross anticipated that the linkspan would be installed during July 2019 and fully operational soon thereafter. At the conclusion of the linkspan development attention would then be given to building a new office block.

Mr Ross voiced his frustration at the lack of investment being made to shore-side infrastructure within and around Dunoon Pier.

The Chair responded that it would not be prudent for the Council to invest in improved berthing facilities for the present vessels at the moment as there were no guarantees of the future structure of ferry services and that a working group had been established to map the best course of action. Councillor Reid also highlighted that pressure should be brought on the Scottish Government via MSPs to encourage investment.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Gordon Ross informed the Group that works are still ongoing at Hunter’s Quay but are progressing well and there were no issues to highlight. Western Ferries summer timetable will start on the 25^th March 2019 and that it was business as usual with no concerns to raise.

Outcome

It was noted that an extension of the existing timetable could be looked at if there was a viable need but consideration would need to be given to the residential housing at both Hunters Quay and McInroy’s Point.