The future of the service has been thrown into the dark following funding issues leaving Kent County council the sole funder
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00:00 Since the early 1500s there's been a ferry service here. It transports workers
00:06 and locals to and from Gravesend to Tilbury. But its future is in doubt as
00:11 Thurrock Council has pulled their funding due to being in special measures.
00:16 The service is seen as a vital lifeline for locals transporting more than 100,000
00:22 people every year. I go uni so it's the quickest way, easiest way to get to uni.
00:28 If the ferry didn't run how would you get to Gravesend?
00:32 There's no other way. I just have to drive. It's going to be difficult.
00:36 I don't know. I'm even taking a walk. I don't know what will happen.
00:41 That means I'll be getting to work much very late and I don't know what will happen then.
00:46 A return fare will currently cost you around £5.
00:51 And it really isn't a long journey. It takes a couple of minutes to make the crossing.
00:56 But the alternative would be two trains and a bus taking more than an hour.
01:03 The future of the funding lies with Kent County Council.
01:06 They currently pay around £55,000 a year to subsidise the crossing.
01:12 But with them soon to be the sole funder it'll cost them four times as much by March 2024.
01:19 They say they can't afford it.
01:22 I totally understand that Kent County Council are carrying the financial commitment for this crossing
01:26 in light of the problems faced by Thurrock Council.
01:29 And Kent taxpayers shouldn't be expected to stump up the entire amount.
01:33 However, the impact that the ferry has on people's lives,
01:36 what I'm asking for is for Kent County Council to continue with the subsidy,
01:40 come together with partners like Gravesham, Dartford, Thurrock, private companies
01:44 and see what we can do together to find a solution to the long-term survival of the crossing.
01:48 With a rough future ahead, the issue's been brought up in Parliament.
01:52 The Thurrock MP raising the issue of what will happen to the free ports in Tilbury if the service was cut.
01:58 Obviously those funding decisions are for the councils required,
02:02 but I would encourage them to consider the importance of cross-river transport
02:06 as highlighted by my honourable friend in her local community
02:10 and do that as part of their upcoming local transport plan.
02:13 We approached KCC for comment and in a statement we were told,
02:17 "We understand the important role this ferry service has in serving both Gravesend and Tilbury.
02:22 We have a responsibility to the Kent taxpayer to ensure we are spending money wisely."
02:27 We were also told they're keen to get people's views on the service,
02:30 which is why there's a public consultation.
02:33 And that closes at the start of next month.
02:36 But Kent County Council are keen to stress there are no foregone conclusions.
02:41 Gavin Morris for KNTV in Gravesend.