RHA urges grace period over Irish Sea ferry passport change

The Road Haulage Association has called for a transition period before a new passport requirement takes effect on ferry journeys between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

The association said Stena Line and Irish Ferries had confirmed that passengers would need a valid passport from 28 September. It said the change could affect coach tours sold months in advance.

RHA policy lead Alastair Gunn said the association understood why ferry operators had made the change, but raised concerns about its timing, costs and the effect on operators and passengers.

The association said some passengers may not hold a passport or have time to obtain one before their booked journey. It said coach companies could be left with empty seats and unrecoverable costs if travellers were turned away.

RHA is asking for a transitional arrangement covering bookings made before the requirement was announced. The issue may be relevant to Welsh travellers and coach operators arranging Irish Sea journeys, particularly where travel has already been booked.