Agenda item

Mrs Rebecca Drake-Hopkins- (Lead Petitioner), Mr Osborne - Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and Mr P Lightowler - Head of Public Transport - were in attendance

1.    Mrs Drake-Hopkins presented her opening statement and highlighted the 2,400responses to the petition for reinstatement of the Gravesend – Tilbury Ferry as an indication of how much this service had meant to the community. Aspects such asbetter promotion of the service, integration with public transport, and the positioning of the ferry as a tourist attraction could all help boost usage and revenue were discussed. Discussions on the speed of the ferry service and its environmental impact on the local area were raised.

2.    Members debated the conflicting reports regarding the withdrawal of funding and highlighted the lack of match funding from Thurrock Borough Council. It was suggested that Thurrock had been willing to support the initiative. Members stated that differing accounts were publicly available online and would require clarification.Consultation feedback had indicated support for subsidising the ferry, although some statements had suggested that the working group had been exploring a number of subsidy-free options. Members suggested the importance of clarifying whether subsidies were still an option or if only non-subsidised models had been considered.

3.    The discussion considered whether capital investment would be necessary to reinstate the service. It was also proposed that a model of a reduced service of the provision could potentially enhance the feasibility of reinstatement. One option suggested would be to explore the viability of an operated service from Monday to Friday, between 7:00am and 6:00pm.

4.    Members requested clarification on the circumstances that had led to the suspension of the service. Officers responded that Thurrock Council had formally indicated its intention to withdraw funding. As the contract had neared its conclusion and Kent County Council was unable to meet the full cost independently, the service would subsequently be allowed to lapse.

5.    Members discussed that political pressure from stakeholders on the opposite side of the Thames estuary had prompted Thurrock Council to reconsider its position and express a renewed interest in the service. However, Members noted that by that stage, negotiating a new contract was no longer a feasible option.

6.    The positive impacts of the working group that was currently in place was highlighted. The involvement of various authorities such as: The Thames Estuary Growth Board and the Port of London Authority added to the debate that there appeared to be genuine cross-estuary support for reinstating the service.

7.    The Vice-Chair discussed the involvement of the Thames Estuary Growth Board and queried if the organisation would be prepared to contribute financially.Additionally, clarification on whether the ferries themselves would still be serviceable needed investigation. This vital information had not been captured in the current documentation. It was requested that the Cabinet Member and officers look into this aspect further.

8.    Members discussed the user base of the ferry service and the vital role it had played in reducing pressure on the Dartford crossing. The paper also suggested unexplored opportunities to improve revenue with a potential option to engage with the private sector.

9.    Mr Brady proposed, and Mr Hood seconded, that the previous decision be revisited and that work towards reinstating the Tilbury Ferry service in 2026 be undertaken. This was agreed unanimously. 

10.Officers reflected on the developments that had occurred in 2023.Colleagues from Public Transport and Commissioning at KCC, together with partners in Thurrock, had been collaborating on plans for a replacement operating tender for the Gravesend–Tilbury ferry. Jetstream had previously operated the service.

11.The intention had been to award Jetstream a one-year extension from April 2024 onwards with a view to develop a longer-term tender. In November 2023 Thurrock informed KCC that they would no longer be able to fund the operation of the ferry crossing.

12.Officers suggested that reinstating the service now would come at a higher cost and Thurrock had confirmed that they would still be unable to co fund the initiative.

13.KCC had commissioned a study on behalf of this partnership to explore all options for the ferry service. The study reviewed the business case and examined other ferry models and had considered a range of potential solutions. The findings had been shared with the partnership.

14.Officers raised that any future service would still require a subsidy, and that the cost base would be different. Working with the Thames Estuary Growth Partnership Board to build a new funding model was underway and KCC had committed to contributing no less than the past commitment, in line with the previous administration’s authorisation. KCC would also actively seek additional partners to help bridge the funding gap.

15.It was highlighted that a return of the ferry service would not be immediate, but officers remained hopeful. Ongoing developments across the Thames Estuary and on the Tilbury (Thurrock) side may lead to new contributions. Further meetings with the Estuary Board would soon take place and updates would be provided.

16.Officers acknowledged the long-standing efforts of Steve Pay who had supported the ferry service since the early 2000s. KCC had worked hard to keep the service going and it was indicated that officers had been reluctant to end the service. KCC would remain committed to restoring the vital link and had been fully aware of the impact its absence has had on those who rely on it. Mr Lightowler stated that efforts would continue with a future report to be brought to the cabinet committee.

17.The Chair noted that the Cabinet Member supported by officers would be required to respond to the recommendation in writing as per the petition scheme.

RESOLVED that the Committee recommend that the Cabinet Member revisit the previous decision and that work towards reinstating the Tilbury Ferry service in 2026 be undertaken.