Isle of Wight Floating Bridge

General Terms & Conditions for the Isle of Wight Council Floating Bridge

Introduction
These terms and conditions set out Your rights and responsibilities as a customer of the Isle of Wight Council and the Floating Bridge.
Your rights and responsibilities as set out in these terms and conditions do not affect Your statutory rights.

Useful Contact Details
The Council can be contacted at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD; tel: (01983) 821000.
The Council strives to provide a good service for all its customers and to be polite, helpful and fair in the way it deals with people.
If You experience difficulties or a problem during Your travel with Us which cannot be resolved by the floating bridge staff, or if You have any comments or suggestions about the day-to-day running of our services please do not hesitate to contact Us via our email address: floating.bridge@iow.gov.uk
If You wish to make a complaint about the service Our complaints procedure can be found at here

Interpretation and Definitions
The definitions and rules of interpretation in this section apply to these terms and conditions:

Words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
A reference to one gender shall include a reference to the other genders.
Any obligation in these terms and conditions on a person not to do something includes an obligation not to agree or allow that thing to be done.
Any typographical, clerical or other error or omission in any sales literature, quotation, price list, acceptance of offer, invoice or other documentation or information issued by Us shall be subject to correction without liability on Our part.

Service and Safety
We always try to run a reliable service however sometimes this is not possible due to circumstances beyond Our control. We reserve the right to change the timetable and to stop the floating bridge from running without giving notice beforehand should this be deemed necessary. We will only do this for good reason.
You can use Our Service so long as You have a valid ticket. The floating bridge is at times heavily used and We are unable to guarantee to carry You on a particular crossing.
We do not accept reservations or pre-bookings for journeys. The floating bridge is boarded on a first come first served basis and the number of foot passengers and vehicles who can safely be transported is limited by the duty staff.
You shall not be permitted to take or attempt to take on board any vehicle which, with its load exceeds the weight of 7.5 tons and which, with its load, exceeds the length of 40 feet without Our prior approval.
We want to make sure that all Your journeys are safe. You must follow instructions given by Our Staff at all times when embarking, disembarking or travelling on the floating bridge.
At the end of each crossing, all foot passengers and vehicles shall disembark before anyone, other than Staff, is permitted to embark
All passengers must Embark and Disembark as directed by Our Staff or by a notice displayed at the terminals in East Cowes and Cowes.
Boarding the ferry whilst the prow is raised is strictly prohibited.
For safety reasons whilst on the floating bridge You must not:
smoke or use an electronic cigarette (‘vape’);
Use bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards or similar equipment;
take flash photographs and/or use a tripod or other camera support equipment without prior arrangement;
Use emergency exits except in an emergency or when instructed to do so by our staff.
You are required to act in a considerate and responsible manner and to:
Act safely;
Cooperate with our staff and treat them and other passengers with respect;
Use language that does not cause offence to others;
Ensure that You are the only person that can hear Your music;
Ensure You pick up all Your litter;
Keep Your feet off the seats
Whilst onboard the floating bridge or whilst waiting to embark or disembark You are prohibited from:
Begging;
Sounding or playing any musical instrument;
Praying or preaching;
Reading aloud;
Vending or offering for sale any fruit, fish, vegetables, newspapers or other things;
Posting or displaying any signs, posters or advertising material;
Obstructing or impeding access to the floating bridge or cabins of any other passengers;
Sit or stand on the prows or chains of the floating bridge;
Obstructing or impeding Our Staff in the execution of their duties;
Bet or gamble, or play any game of chance
You are required to take particular care in conditions of inclement rough or heavy weather or as advised by Our Staff.
We reserve the right to cancel Services and/or refuse travel to anyone who We believe are unfit to travel. Our decision in this regard is final.
We will not tolerate violence and aggression, verbal or physical abuse towards Our Staff. We reserve the right to suspend the service whilst any incidents are dealt with and, if appropriate to prosecute. We reserve the right to refuse travel to anyone who conducts themselves in an aggressive or abusive manner towards Our staff.

Equality and Diversity
We embrace our duties and obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
In providing the Service We will:
Strive to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
Seek to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the act
Seek to foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not

Access, Bikes, Children and Animals
The floating bridge is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters; unless otherwise directed by staff all wheelchairs and mobility scooters users will need to be situated in the passenger accommodation for the duration of the crossing.
Care should be taken at all times while embarking and disembarking.
Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards or similar equipment may be taken on board but must be pushed or carried whilst on the floating bridge.
Pushchairs can be taken onboard and wherever possible the child is to remain in the pushchair and is pushed on and off the bridge.
Assistance will be given by Our Staff at their discretion.
Children under 16 should be supervised by an adult. However, in circumstances where this is not possible, children must act responsibly at all times and refrain from horseplay.
Dogs and other domestic pets accompanying passengers are permitted to travel free of charge. However, we reserve the right at all times to refuse to carry or to delay the carriage, of live animals. Where dogs or domestic pets are permitted to use the Service this is done at the risk of the owner, or if the owner is not present, at the risk of the person who brings them onboard the floating bridge. The owner or person with whom the dog or other domestic pet is travelling shall be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the animal to the floating bridge, Our equipment and furnishings or the person or property of other passengers and all expenses arising therefrom.

Belongings
Belonging should be kept with You at all times whilst travelling on the floating bridge and whilst waiting to embark and disembark.
We accept no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged belongings
We reserve the right to refuse to allow You to take onboard luggage, goods or other property which, in Our reasonable opinion, is unfit or unsuitable to be carried on the floating bridge for any reason at all.

Tickets
Casual foot passenger and vehicle tickets can be purchased from the Floating Bridge crew and from the fixed ticket machines located at Cowes and East Cowes. Saver Cards can be obtained from the Floating Bridge office in Medina Road, Cowes and the Floating Bridge crew. You can register a Saver Card by clicking here. You are not permitted to re-sell or attempt to re-sell a ticket. You must have a ticket which is valid for you type of travel and it must be presented at the time of travel.
It is your responsibility to check the Fare before You travel. Details of the applicable Fares can be found at www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk
Once a foot passenger ticket has been purchased it is valid for 7 seven days; vehicle tickets do not have expiry dates
Your ticket is only valid for use on daily scheduled services and is not valid to travel on Special Services.
You shall not willfully damage or deface Your ticket so as to render the date, number or any material part of it illegible. We will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or destroyed tickets and no refunds will be made in respect of these.
In the event that a crossing is cancelled by us, we will not refund the value of any unused tickets as they can be used for other crossings.

Price Changes
We reserve the right to change the price of each type of journey at any time. Where possible We will ensure that any changes to Fare are advertising prior to coming in to effect.

Offers
We reserve the right to alter or change any of the offers that were valid at the time You purchased Your ticket.
Up to date offers to holders of the Saver Card will be updated on www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk
Offers may be subject to their own separate terms & conditions.

Liability
We shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss suffered by You whatsoever.
Our liability for death or personal injury is not excluded or restricted.
We draw Your attention to the right that We may have in appropriate circumstances to limit liability, whether under the provisions of the statute or otherwise and nothing in these terms and conditions is to be construed as derogating that right.
In accordance with The Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (Domestic Carriage) Order 1987, We give the following notice:
The provisions of the Athens Convention may be applicable; and
The Athens Convention in most cases limits the carrier’s liability for death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage (including a vehicle) and makes special provision for valuables; and
The Athens Convention presumes that luggage has been delivered undamaged unless written notice is given to the carrier:
In the case of apparent damage, before or at the time of disembarkation or re-delivery, or
In the case of damage which is not apparent or of loss, within 15 days from the date of disembarkation or re-delivery or from the time when such re-delivery should have taken place.
Our Staff, agents, independent contractors or sub-contractors shall in any circumstances whatsoever be under any liability whatsoever to You for any loss, damage or delay of whatsoever kind arising or resulting directly or indirectly from any act, neglect or default on his part while acting in the course of or in connection with their role but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions of this clause, every exemption, limitation, condition, and liberty herein contained and every right, exemption from liability, defence and immunity of whatsoever nature applicable to Us or to which We are entitled hereunder shall also be available and shall extend to Our Staff agents, independent contractors or sub-contractors and for the purpose of all the foregoing provisions of this clause We are or shall be deemed to be acting as agent or trustee on behalf of and for the benefit of all persons who are or might be Our Staff agents, independent contractors or sub-contractors from time to time.

Jurisdiction
English Law shall apply to any transaction between Us and You under these terms and condition and it is agreed by Us and You that together we shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Terms & Conditions for the Isle of Wight Council Floating Bridge Saver Card

Introduction
1. These terms and conditions set out Your rights and responsibilities as a customer of the Isle of Wight Council and the Floating Bridge.
2. Your rights and responsibilities as set out in these terms and conditions do not affect Your statutory rights.
3. The ticketing system for the sale of tickets and Saver Cards on the Floating Bridge, together with the support and maintenance for the same, is provided by way of a contract with LOOKsystems Limited, Moorwood Cottage, Moretonhampstead Road, Lustleigh, TQ13 9SN.
Useful Contact Details
1. The Council can be contacted at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD; tel: (01983) 821000.
2. The council strives to provide a good service for all its customers and to be polite, helpful and fair in the way it deals with people.
3. If You experience difficulties or a problem during Your travel with Us which cannot be resolved by the floating bridge staff, or if You have any comments or suggestions about the day-to-day running of our services please do not hesitate to contact Us via our email address: floating.bridge@iow.gov.uk
4. If You wish to make a complaint about the service Our complaints procedure can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/contact-us/send-complaint
Interpretation and Definitions
1. The definitions and rules of interpretation in this section apply to these terms and conditions:
2. Words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
3. A reference to one gender shall include a reference to the other genders.
4. Any obligation in these terms and conditions on a person not to do something includes an obligation not to agree or allow that thing to be done.
Service and Safety
1. We always try to run a reliable service however sometimes this is not possible due to circumstances beyond Our control. We reserve the right to change the timetable and to stop the floating bridge from running without giving notice beforehand should this be deemed necessary. We will only do this for good reason.
2. You can use Our Service so long as You have a valid ticket. The floating bridge is at times heavily used and We are unable to guarantee to carry You on a particular crossing.
3. We do not accept reservations or pre-bookings for journeys. The floating bridge is boarded on a first come first served basis and the number of foot passengers and vehicles who can safely be transported is limited by the duty staff.
4. You shall not be permitted to take or attempt to take on board any vehicle which, with its load exceeds the weight of 7.5 tons and which, with its load, exceeds the length of 40 feet without Our prior approval.
5. We want to make sure that all Your journeys are safe. You must follow instructions given by Our Staff at all times when embarking, disembarking or travelling on the floating bridge.
6. At the end of each crossing, all foot passengers and vehicles shall disembark before anyone, other than Staff, is permitted to embark
7. All passengers must Embark and Disembark as directed by Our Staff or by a notice displayed at the terminals in East Cowes and Cowes.
8. Boarding the ferry whilst the prow is raised is strictly prohibited.
9. For safety reasons whilst on the floating bridge You must not:
  1. smoke or use an electronic cigarette (‘vape’);
  2. Use bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards or similar equipment;
  3. take flash photographs and/or use a tripod or other camera support equipment without prior arrangement;
  4. Use emergency exits except in an emergency or when instructed to do so by our staff.
10. You are required to act in a considerate and responsible manner and to:
  1. Act safely;
  2. Cooperate with our staff and treat them and other passengers with respect;
  3. Use language that does not cause offence to others;
  4. Ensure that You are the only person that can hear Your music;
  5. Ensure You pick up all Your litter;
  6. Keep Your feet off the seats
11. Whilst onboard the floating bridge or whilst waiting to embark or disembark You are prohibited from:
  1. Begging;
  2. Sounding or playing any musical instrument;
  3. Praying or preaching;
  4. Reading aloud;
  5. Vending or offering for sale any fruit, fish, vegetables, newspapers or other things;
  6. Posting or displaying any signs, posters or advertising material;
  7. Obstructing or impeding access to the floating bridge or cabins of any other passengers;
  8. Sit or stand on the prows or chains of the floating bridge;
  9. Obstructing or impeding Our Staff in the execution of their duties;
  10. Bet or gamble, or play any game of chance
12. You are required to take particular care in conditions of inclement rough or heavy weather or as advised by Our Staff.
13. We reserve the right to cancel Services and/or refuse travel to anyone who We believe are unfit to travel. Our decision in this regard is final.
14. We will not tolerate violence and aggression, verbal or physical abuse towards Our Staff. We reserve the right to suspend the service whilst any incidents are dealt with and, if appropriate to prosecute. We reserve the right to refuse travel to anyone who conducts themselves in an aggressive or abusive manner towards Our staff.
Saver Cards
1. A Saver Card offers You a reduced Fare for travel on the floating bridge.
2. All Saver Cards remain Our property and must not be intentionally damaged, altered or tampered with in any way. We may withdraw or cancel a Saver Card at any time. We will only do this for good reason.
3. It is Your responsibility to ensure that Your Saver Card is not used by another person.
4. If Your card is lost, stolen or damaged it is Your responsibility to notify Us as soon as possible even if You do not plan to get a replacement straight away.
5. We reserve the right to prevent the use of Your Saver Card for travel. We reserve the right to withdraw Your Saver Card if it is misused or if it is used in a way that is not permitted by these terms and conditions whether or not the misuse was by the registered cardholder.
6. You must be prepared to show Your Saver Card whenever You are requested to do so.
Using Your Saver Card
1. You can use Your Saver Card at any time to travel provided it is available, valid and has sufficient credit to cover the cost of Your journey.
2. Credit can be purchased either online or at the fixed ticket machines located at Cowes and East Cowes; the maximum amount of credit that may be purchased in one transaction is £125 and the maximum credit balance on a card is £125.00.
3. Your Saver Card must be presented at the time of travel in order for the credit to be deducted; if You do not have Your Saver Card You will be required to pay the higher casual ‘casual’ rate
4. The relevant Fare for Your journey will be deducted from Your Saver Card for each crossing.
5. If there is insufficient credit on Your Saver Card to cover Your Fare it must be paid in full by some other means. The Saver Card does not permit part payment or a negative balance.
6. It is Your responsibility to check the Fare before You travel.
7. Your card is only valid for use on daily scheduled services and is not valid to travel on Special Services.
8. On presenting Your Saver Card for travel Our Staff will be able to advise as to how much credit is still available on Your Saver Card.
Payment for credit
1. On receipt of Your Saver Card, You will be required to register it online at www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk in order to benefit from the reduced Saver Card fare rates. In order to register Your card You will be required to complete the online registration form and to confirm Your acceptance of these terms and conditions. Credit can be purchased online at www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk using a credit/debit card. The credit purchased online can be allocated to one or all of the Saver Cards registered to that account. Credit for Your Saver Card can be purchased at the fixed ticket machines located at Cowes and East Cowes. The ticket machine will issue You with a voucher, which must then be presented to a member of staff on the floating bridge who will scan the voucher and add the credit to Your Saver Card which must be presented at the same time. Credit purchased from the ticket machines can only be purchased in predetermined values of £10.00, £20.00 and £30.00
2. Card remotely. Credit can only be purchased in predetermined values of £10.00, £20.00 and £30.00
3. Any value of credit can only be purchased although a single purchase is limited to £125.00. Once this has been added to Your Saver Card, credit cannot be refunded either in full or in part.
4. Once credit has been purchased it must remain allocated to the Saver Card to which it has been allocated. Credit cannot be transferred onto any other Card.
Lost, stolen or damaged Cards
1. It is solely Your responsibility to look after Your Saver Card.
2. Should Your Saver Card be lost, stolen or damaged You will need to contact Us to arrange for a replacement Card to be issued. The issuing of a replacement Card incurs a charge. The charge applied will be the purchase price of a new Saver Card on the date the replacement Card is issued.
3. You will be required to return a damaged Saver Card to Us before a new Saver Card can be issued.
4. Any credit balance on You Saver Card at the time it was lost, stolen or damaged will be credited to Your replacement Saver Card.
Price Changes
1. We reserve the right to change the price of each type of journey at any time. Where possible We will ensure that any changes to Fare are advertising prior to coming in to effect.
Additional Usage comments
1. Your Saver Card will not have Your details recorded on it and as such may be used by persons other than You with or without Your permission.
2. If You allow anyone else to use Your Saver Card, it remains Your responsibility to ensure that it is used in accordance with these terms and conditions.
General Transport Terms
1. When travelling on the floating bridge Using the Saver Card You are still subject to the general terms & conditions of the service which can be viewed at www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk
2. The Saver Card is purely a means of payment for travel on the floating bridge and We are only liable for issues that should arise through the delivery of Our own Services.