Gravesend commuters could face an extra hour commute if Tilbury ferry is axed

The future of the service has been thrown into the dark following funding issues leaving Kent County council the sole funder

Transcript

00:00 Since the early 1500s there's been a ferry service here. It transports workers

00:06 and locals to and from Gravesend to Tilbury. But its future is in doubt as

00:11 Thurrock Council has pulled their funding due to being in special measures.

00:16 The service is seen as a vital lifeline for locals transporting more than 100,000

00:22 people every year. I go uni so it's the quickest way, easiest way to get to uni.

00:28 If the ferry didn't run how would you get to Gravesend?

00:32 There's no other way. I just have to drive. It's going to be difficult.

00:36 I don't know. I'm even taking a walk. I don't know what will happen.

00:41 That means I'll be getting to work much very late and I don't know what will happen then.

00:46 A return fare will currently cost you around £5.

00:51 And it really isn't a long journey. It takes a couple of minutes to make the crossing.

00:56 But the alternative would be two trains and a bus taking more than an hour.

01:03 The future of the funding lies with Kent County Council.

01:06 They currently pay around £55,000 a year to subsidise the crossing.

01:12 But with them soon to be the sole funder it'll cost them four times as much by March 2024.

01:19 They say they can't afford it.

01:22 I totally understand that Kent County Council are carrying the financial commitment for this crossing

01:26 in light of the problems faced by Thurrock Council.

01:29 And Kent taxpayers shouldn't be expected to stump up the entire amount.

01:33 However, the impact that the ferry has on people's lives,

01:36 what I'm asking for is for Kent County Council to continue with the subsidy,

01:40 come together with partners like Gravesham, Dartford, Thurrock, private companies

01:44 and see what we can do together to find a solution to the long-term survival of the crossing.

01:48 With a rough future ahead, the issue's been brought up in Parliament.

01:52 The Thurrock MP raising the issue of what will happen to the free ports in Tilbury if the service was cut.

01:58 Obviously those funding decisions are for the councils required,

02:02 but I would encourage them to consider the importance of cross-river transport

02:06 as highlighted by my honourable friend in her local community

02:10 and do that as part of their upcoming local transport plan.

02:13 We approached KCC for comment and in a statement we were told,

02:17 "We understand the important role this ferry service has in serving both Gravesend and Tilbury.

02:22 We have a responsibility to the Kent taxpayer to ensure we are spending money wisely."

02:27 We were also told they're keen to get people's views on the service,

02:30 which is why there's a public consultation.

02:33 And that closes at the start of next month.

02:36 But Kent County Council are keen to stress there are no foregone conclusions.

02:41 Gavin Morris for KNTV in Gravesend.