Wightlink comes on board by supporting customers with visual impairments to travel by ferry

People with visual impairments will now find it easier to get around Wightlink’s ports.

The ferry company has teamed up with Isle of Wight charity Sight for Wight to produce and install special QR codes at the entrance to each port.

When an individual scans the code with their mobile phone, they will get an audio and video description of the layout of the terminal so they can walk around it with confidence.

More than 50 locations on the Island have now signed up to place the QR codes on their premises.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police have also taken up the initiative.

Lisa Hollyhead, Sight for Wight’s Chief Executive, came up with the idea after Covid restrictions meant many shops made changes to their premises to allow for social distancing.

As a result, many regular customers with visual impairments suddenly had problems getting around.

Lisa said: “Ferry ports are busy places so it’s important for all customers to know where to buy tickets, how to find the toilets and where to queue to board their sailings.

“We are pleased that Wightlink has come on board with our Hello Everyone initiative.”

Phil Delaney, Wightlink’s Commercial Director, said: “We want everyone to feel at home in our terminals and be able to find their way around.

“This is an excellent idea and we are very happy to install the codes at all our ports.”

• Details about the scheme and the QR codes are available on Wightlink’s website at https://www.wightlink.co.uk/tickets/accessible-travel