Motorhomes, campervans and caravans will no longer be accepted in stand-by queues for CalMac sailings.
The ferry company has introduced the change with immediate effect to prioritise passengers who may need accommodation, and to ensure that deck space and capacity is used more efficiently.
Stand-by queues are available on all bookable CalMac routes and give passengers without a ticket the chance to board if there are spaces left.
Island residents who travel with a motorhome, campervan or caravan will be exempt from the restriction and can continue to use the stand-by queue if they have proof of residence.
On non-bookable routes, all traffic will continue to be processed on a first come, first served basis.
Finlay MacRae, head of operations for CalMac, said: “To prioritise customers without alternative accommodation and to optimise deck space at the end of loading, motorhomes, campervans and vehicles towing caravans will no longer be given a standby or waitlist position on all bookable routes – either at the reservation stage or on the day of sailing.
“Restricting larger vehicles in standby lanes will allow us to make the best use of any remaining space for smaller vehicles, whose occupants may not have alternative options available for accommodation.
“It will also remove the issue of larger vehicles filling up standby lanes, and smaller vehicles having to be pulled out of car lanes if that is all that can be shipped at the end of the loading process.”
The change – which is open to review, although CalMac intend to keep it permanently – has been introduced amid fears the queue was being exploited.
There had been reports of motorhomes parking in the standby queues at ferry terminals overnight.
Islanders have complained about being unable to get bookings on ferries for three weeks.
Pressure eases as ferry capacity returns to normal
Social distancing restrictions on the ships were eased on Monday allowing full capacity to return. They had previously been cut to just 35% – with ferry breakdowns adding to the pressure.
Now the number of passengers that can be carried on board ferries has returned to normal.
CalMac operations director Robert Morrison said: “It is good news that we are finally able to open up our ferries to their full capacities following the relaxation of Covid regulations.
“I know this has been a source of great frustration for local communities, businesses and travellers during an extremely busy summer period. With many people focussing on holidaying at home and a period of sustained good weather, it has placed extra pressure on the system.
“It is vital to note, however, that we still recommend booking ahead as many of the car deck spaces are already reaching capacity.”