Ferry News Archive
EC draws up plans for ferry passenger compensation
Date: 08 Dec 2008 00:00 Source: Lloyds ListPassengers faced with a cancelled ferry trip will have to be given compensation according to plans under study in Brussels, writes Justin Stares in Brussels.
The European commission is seeking to bring maritime passenger legislation in line with airline legislation by proposing rights and 'minimum rules' such as alternative routes in case of cancellation; assistance for people of reduced mobility; and the creation of independent national bodies for the settlement of disputes. New proposals also apply to bus services.
'The EU cannot afford different levels of rights for passengers depending on which mode of transport they travel with. With these two new regulations, we will cover all transport modes. All passengers can make their choice of preferred mode of transport knowing that their rights are equally enforced irrespective of the means', said Brussels transport commissioner Antonio Tajani.
If approved, the laws would oblige ferry operators to give free assistance to the disabled and those with reduced mobility.
'The proposals foresee that in case of interrupted or cancelled journeys, companies are obliged to provide passengers with adequate information, proper assistance and reasonable alternative services,' the commission said. 'Companies failing to meet these requirements ought to pay a compensation calculated on the basis of the ticket price.'
Brussels is also seeking to harmonise rules on liability and compensation levels for passengers and their luggage across the EU.
'The opening of the market has not raised quality standards and services as it was expected,' the commission said. 'The lack of common procedures isolates passengers, having to cope with different procedures and deadlines.
'EU countries will have to set up enforcement bodies responsible for ensuring the implementation of these regulations on their territory. If a bus or ship passenger considers that any of these rights have not been respected, he can bring the matter to the attention of the company. If he is not satisfied with the response, a complaint can be made to the national enforcement body designated by the country concerned.'
Airlines fought the introduction of the EU compensation scheme in court before grudgingly agreeing to it, though its application is still the subject of dispute. Shipowners gave no initial reaction to the latest proposals.
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