Passengers who experience lengthy delays with the Isle of Man Steam Packet should be automatically paid compensation says customer Richard Bedford.

And he contacted the Manx Independent to suggest that information about compensation should be more widely publicised.

Mr Bedford was delayed by four hours on the crossing from Heysham to Douglas on Monday, May 22.

The boat left at 2.15pm but Mr Bedford didn’t arrive at his home in Castletown until 10pm.

Mr Bedford requested full compensation from the Steam Packet, ’believing that their having to pay compensation will sharpen and improve their service which as always is particularly crucial during the TT.’

He pointed out ’a major breakdown’ during TT could be very pricey for the company as the charter also states it will pay up to 80 Euros a night each for accommodation required because of delays.

The company pointed out that it compensates according to EU regulations and details are in its Terms and Conditions and Passenger Charter.