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Condor explores allowing car passengers to stay in vehicles

PASSENGERS may be allowed to stay in their cars on short ferry crossings to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, Condor’s chief executive has said.

Condor Ferries is formulating a plan to reboot its passenger services when lockdown restrictions are eased. Extra precautions have already been put in place to help protect Guernsey’s freight supplies. (28231635)
Condor Ferries is formulating a plan to reboot its passenger services when lockdown restrictions are eased. Extra precautions have already been put in place to help protect Guernsey’s freight supplies. (28231635) / Supplied

The operator is formulating a plan to reboot its passenger services when lockdown restrictions are eased.

Although freight operations have continued, all passenger crossings were suspended on 24 March, and will not resume until at least 22 May.

And new measures will be put in place to enable travellers to practise social distancing, including capping the number of bookings per service and possibly allowing passengers to avoid the seating area.

The firm’s chief executive, Paul Luxon, said: ‘We had no option but to stop passenger services when France closed its borders and the UK and Channel Island governments banned non-essential travel, which effectively closed borders.

‘But we are now planning a reintroduction of passenger services. We are monitoring the position of the relevant governments. When we do restart, we will significantly reduce the number of passengers and cars to give people more adequate space,’ said Mr Luxon.

When asked if car passengers would be allowed to stay in their vehicles, he replied: ‘It is something we are exploring with the authorities which govern the operation of our high-speed craft. We are looking at this as an option for our shorter journeys.’

A number of travel firms have also announced measures to protect passengers when lockdowns are eased.

Earlier this month easyJet said the middle seat on its aircraft would remain empty to enable passengers to practice social distancing on flights.

Budget airline Wizz Air yesterday resumed some flights from London’s Luton airport for passengers making essential journeys. Enhanced health and safety measures include new distancing measures for passengers while boarding.

Cabin crew will hand out sanitising wipes to passengers and will be required to wear masks and gloves on all flights – and aircraft will also be disinfected overnight.

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