Having been fined for carrying too many passengers the Hayling Ferry has had support from a school in Southsea. Hayling has 32 pupils who attend Mayville High School and rely on the ferry servicel.
Having heard about the six charges brought against the ferry owner and operator (Frida Edwards and Geoff Oliver) the head teacher of the school submitted a letter to magistrates in support.
Although safety issues were in the spotlight concerns about leaving children vulnerable on a weather beaten pontoon during winter were highlighted. Mr Oliver said he chose to take children on the boat even if it meant going over the quota of passengers allowed. As a former troop carrier the vessel can take up to 50 passengers. The fines were in light of carrying 27 people 15 over the legal capacity.
Mr Oliver has since lost his job but has stated he would do the same thing again if faced with similar choices.
