The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993

Charges for road ferry services

101.—(1) There shall be payable in respect of the conveyance of vehicles, persons and goods on a ferry vessel belonging to a road ferry service such charges as may be specified in relation to that road ferry service in directions in writing issued by the Department in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4).

(2) A notice setting out the charges for the time being specified in directions under paragraph (1) in relation to a road ferry service shall be exhibited by the Department in a conspicuous place—

(a) in the vicinity of each ferry landing place belonging to that road ferry service; and

(b) on each ferry vessel belonging to that road ferry service.

(3) Where it proposes to issue directions under paragraph (1) in relation to a road ferry service, the Department shall—

(a) publish in at least one newspaper circulating in the locality in which the road ferry service is provided a notice—

(i) stating the effect of the proposed directions; and

(ii) stating that, within such period as may be specified (not being a period of less than 30 days from the date of the publication of the notice) any person may by notice to the Department inform it of the grounds upon which he objects to the issuing of the directions;

(b) consider any objections received by it before the expiration of the period referred to in sub-paragraph (a); and

(c) if it appears to the Department to be appropriate to do so, cause a local inquiry to be held.

(4) After considering—

(a) any objections to the proposed directions; and

(b) where a local inquiry is held, the report of the person who held it,

the Department may issue the directions, either without modifications or subject to such modifications as the Department thinks fit.

(5) Any person who, with intent to defraud, travels on any ferry vessel without paying the charge payable by him in accordance with this Article, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.