Broad support for Steam Packet photo ID measures

Government publishes consultation responses

More than three-quarters of respondents to a consultation say they would support the introduction of photo ID checks on Steam Packet ferries.

The survey forms part of government's border security strategy, aimed at making it harder for criminals or their assets to move to and from the Island.

The current proposal is for all passengers to be required to carry valid photo ID, with staff carrying out verification checks. 

Among the 1,419 responses, there was strong support for passports, driving licences and other government-issued photo identification as acceptable forms of ID, with exemptions for children/minors and emergency or medical travel.

Of the more-than-three-quarters of respondents in support of the measures, they agreed it would strengthen the Island's border security and reduce opportunities for anonymous travel.

The main concerns raised were about delays and queueing.

What happens next?

The Department of Home Affairs says it will use the consultation responses to inform further work with the Steam Packet Company on the 'practical next steps for implementation'. 

This will include:

• Considering an appropriate timeline
• Clear public communication
• Guidance on how checks will operate
• The forms of ID that should be accepted and whether exemptions or alternative arrangements are needed for particular groups or circumstances

If the rule change goes ahead, it would be the ferry operator that would implement the requirement as a condition of travel, mirroring the approach commonly used by airlines and some other regional ferry operators. 

The DHA says it doesn't anticipate that new legislation would be introduced in order to impose the requirement.

There is no set date for any change to be implemented and government says it will provide further updates as the project progresses.

You can find a link to the consultation response HERE.