CONTROVERSIAL new ferries have been given the go-ahead to start operating on a busy cross-Solent route next month.

However, the 1,496-ton craft, which will replace three existing vessels on the Lymington to Yarmouth service, will face restrictions unless sea safety trials have been completed.

Campaigners have spent months fighting the introduction of the new boats, which are much larger than the current craft.

Members of Lymington River Association say that the vessels will increase erosion, generate too much traffic and pose a safety threat to other craft.

Criticised Last month the Lymington Harbour Commissioners criticised Wightlink for planning to introduce the ferries without waiting for the sea trials to be concluded.

Now, following a meeting between the two organisations, it has been announced that the vessels will start operating next month.

However, they will face restrictions under an Interim Safe Operating Profile (ISOP) unless the remaining risk assessment trials have been carried out.

The ferries will be banned from passing each other in the Lymington River and barred from operating at all if windspeeds exceed 20 knots. Certain rules governing the use of thrusters will also apply.

A Wightlink spokesman said: “The new vessels are currently engaged in a comprehensive risk assessment that is nearing completion. A few outstanding trials require a specific combination of conditions and both Wightlink and the harbour commissioners remain in close contact to complete these as soon as is practicable.”

The spokesman added: “It was accepted that the ships may enter service using an ISOP in the river.”

Clarified Peter Griffiths, chairman of the commissioners, said: “Wightlink has clarified its intention that the new ferries should enter service in January.

“It is hoped that this will allow sufficient time for the outstanding risk assessment trials to be completed. If not the vessels will operate under an ISOP.”