The priority pass system on Gozo Channel had been introduced when traffic between Malta and Gozo was considerably less and there was sufficient capacity on the vessels to allow doctors the privilege of boarding ahead of the queue, Gozo Channel said this morning.

It was referring to recent statements by Gozitan consultant ophthalmologist Franco Mercieca who said he was having to cancel operations as he was not granted priority boarding.

Gozo Channel said in a statement that doctors who applied for the privilege, filled in a form where it was clearly stated that the applicant had to present for boarding 15 minutes prior to departure.

This requirement was to ensure that boarding would not have yet commenced.

It was not normal, if the system was properly implemented, for vehicles to be left behind because a doctor boarded early.

"Due to the fact that vehicle and passenger movements have increased significantly, the priority system had to be reviewed, as vehicles were being left behind due to priority boarders, giving rise to complaints."

The company said that complaints, in some instances specifically against Dr Mercieca, included that privilege holders would turn up just minutes before scheduled departure, when boarding would have commenced, and insert themselves into the loading stream, displacing and irritating drivers who would be prepared to board.

"Furthermore, contrary to the spirit of the privilege granted, some pass holder, amongst them Dr Mercieca, would use their pass to jump the queue on the return journey, when no reason for priority existed."

Because of this, the system had to be reviewed and all priority pass holders were asked to reapply, something Dr Mercieca did not do, Gozo Channel said.