Jersey mail plane petition passes the 1,000-signature mark

A PETITION calling on the government to ensure the Island’s daily mail plane service is maintained has gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

In May, the Royal Mail launched a consultation on its plan to scrap the mail plane and replace it with a ferry service, as this represented ‘a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly’ option.

However, the news has been met with strong criticism and a campaign, launched by Christopher Bee, the managing director of air-freight firm OceanAir Handling, has now received enough support to trigger a government response. Ministers are obliged to respond to any official petition with more than 1,000 signatures.

The mail plane brings between five and seven tonnes of post to the Island each day. The proposed change to a ferry service would probably result in an extra working day being added to delivery times, with the service being further affected by adverse weather conditions. Mr Bee’s petition calls on the government to ‘take action to protect Islanders’ interests and to ensure this vital service is maintained’.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has previously stated that he would be writing to Royal Mail to convey the concerns of local businesses as part of the consultation process.