Gavin Morgan

10 April, 2008

FERRY operators NorthLink are sticking firmly to their plans to insist on photo identification for anyone boarding their vessels from next month, despite a survey exposing widespread concern at the scheme.

Almost 1,200 people in the northern isles filled in a survey gauging public opinion about the plan. Of the 179 Shetland residents who responded, more than 50 per cent said they had a more negative opinion of NorthLink as a result.

The online poll was put together by Orkney councillor Steven Heddle who is firmly against the identity scheme.

While 75 per cent of responses came from Orkney residents, 99 people living in Shetland thought photo ID was a bad idea.

NorthLink chief executive Bill Davidson said he respected Mr Heddle’s right to organise such a survey, but pointed out that a third of the total responses were “in favour of our policy or unconcerned”.

Mr Davidson said: “To be honest, I think it's likely that councillor Heddle will be disappointed that his position of outright opposition was not backed more convincingly by respondents to his own survey.”

NorthLink are sticking to their policy, which will come into effect on 1 May, but Mr Davidson said they will be offering a wide range of options for passengers to provide as ID.

"Introduction of photo ID was never going to be universally popular but it remains the right thing to do,” he said.

"We believe asking our adult customers to prove their identity by producing photo ID at check-in will be beneficial. The policy will better allow the company to discharge its duties with regard to passenger identification and safety.

"We'll accept many different forms of photo ID and for islanders without any, we will add a passport style photo to their NorthLink Islander discount card."