By
Alex Smith |
More people would feel safe from Covid-19 travelling by ferry, than by aeroplane, train or coach, according to a survey of UK consumers by industry body Discover Ferries.
Of 2,001 people surveyed in early September, 32 per cent said they would feel safe from infection travelling by ferry. 30 per would feel safe on a train, 26 per cent on a coach and 24 per cent on a plane.
“It is encouraging to see that Brits consider ferry travel to be the safest form of public transport during the pandemic,” said Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries. “Ferries naturally lend themselves to social distancing, with spacious passenger areas and access to fresh air on most vessels so perhaps that’s not surprising. What worries us more is the significant proportion who remain unconvinced and may therefore be delaying travel plans.”
The survey also shows that factors outside of the control of operators are increasing anxiety around travel. Around three-quarters of those surveyed said that they were concerned about the possibility of having to quarantine when they arrive at their destination, with 65 per cent also concerned about having to quarantine when returning home. This shows minimal change from previous research conducted by Discover Ferries in June.
“Our sector recognises the balance needed to protect public health and support the UK economy during Covid-19,” said Penlington. “So, we understand that quarantine can be an important step to prevent its spread. But like others in the travel sector, we believe that the government should adopt a more regional approach to travel sanctions. It should also carefully consider allowing testing to shorten quarantine times, once testing capacity is available. This would bring greater stability to the industry and, in turn, reassure passengers who wish to book an autumn get-away or their 2021 break now.”