CalMac Ferries has announced caravans will now be banned from their standby queues.

The decision – which has been brought in with immediate effect – was made following discussions with island stakeholder groups and the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland agency. The ban also applies to campervans and motorhomes. 

A standby queue lets those without tickets board – space permitting – as soon as booked in passengers have been processed.

A parked caravan on an overcast day

CalMac Ferries has announced caravans, campervans and motorhomes are now banned from their standby queues

It is intended that the change will be permanent – however, the state-owned ferry operator will review the decision and will be welcoming feedback.

The ban will not apply to any island residents travelling with a caravan, campervan or motorhome – so long as they have proof of address.

Finlay MacRae, the head of operations for CalMac, said: “To prioritise customers without alternative accommodation and to optimise deck space at the end of loading, motorhomes, campervans and vehicles towing caravans will no longer be given a standby or waitlist position on all bookable routes – either at the reservation stage or on the day of sailing.” 

“Restricting larger vehicles in standby lanes will allow us to make the best use of any remaining space for smaller vehicles, whose occupants may not have alternative options available for accommodation.”

“It will also remove the issue of larger vehicles filling up standby lanes and smaller vehicles having to be pulled out of car lanes if that is all that can be shipped at the end of the loading process.” 

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