Vistors to the ISLE OF WIGHT

[IsleOfWightBlue]

As someone who has worked in the travel business for several years now I thought it prudent to advise latics fans thinking in of holidaying on the Isle of Wight this year.

 

1. Due to the increase in drug trafficking on the Island passports are now checked and photocopied at Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington.

 

2. Anyone who has not gone any form of photgraphic ID will not be allowed to board a ferry. This includes people who have already booked accomodation prior to travel.

 

3. The Island is moving towards a free state status. This has been going on for a while now and as of today visitors bringing their vehicles will need to display one of the following letters in their car wind screen. R - Resident, T - Tourist, VFF - Visiting friends and family or M - Migrant. This does not apply to commercial vehicles, or lorrys.

 

4. Anyone who is planning to stay on the island in excess of 14 days will have to contact the Isle of Wight DVLA to arrange a 30 minute driving test and this will be at a cost of £14.00 and is designed to help motorists become used to the differences in driving here. Please contact April Strethfir at the Newport Driving centre.

 

5. If you wish to book a cabin instead of a seat on the IOW ferries these are now available free of charge on a first come, first served basis - You need to contact the ferry operator direct.

 

 

6. The Isle of Wight introduced the Euro several years ago. This was withdrawn after the treasury refused to accept it as legal tender on the mainland. It is now legal tender throughout the UK and therefore the IOW Euro is our recognised currency and from today the £ will only be accepted at ferry terminals.

 

7. If you are moving to the island to reside here please be aware that after 90 days you will need to re register your car. The Isle of Wight has its own prefix starting AF and the police do carry out roadside checks from time to time - Fines are very heavy.

 

8. If you are considering moving to the island to live please be aware of the new Migrant rules that have been imposed by the Isle of Wight Council. The IOW currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Construction and Engineering is at an all time low therefore there are few opportunities for migration here. Waiters, Kitchen Porters and hotel workers are required throughout the summer and can apply for a temporary work permit. Please contact your local job centre for form A1P904RI09L. Completed forms should then be sent to any prospective emplyers.

 

9. Finally please note that unless you have a pre paid funeral plan you are no longer allowed to die on the island UNLESS you are a resident. Any deaths will be regarded as an offence under local bylaw IOW NONE RES/ 01/04.

 

10. Finally DO check your passports - You need a validity of 14 months minimum to allow you to pass through IOW customs - The usual restrictions regarding what you are allowed to bring into EU countries apply with the addition that we no longer allow the importation of Bees, Rabbits, Hamsters or Carrots

Edited April 1, 2009 by IsleOfWightBlue