Exasperated residents have told of long queues and 'stressful' congestion as coaches shuttled visiting cruise passengers back and forth between Portland Port and Weymoth town centre this week. 

MSC Virtuosa arrived at the port on Thursday carrying more than 5,000 passengers. 

But some residents living nearby have criticised the shuttle service after masses of tourists from the cruise were seen lined up along Newtons Road waiting for their buses to arrive to take them back to the ship.

One said the situation on Spring Road and Newtons Road  was 'ludicrous' and fears there could soon be an accident due to coaches stopping to drop off and pick up passengers. 

Similar issues were reporte back in May and June. 

READ: "Unacceptable" - anger as cruise ship coaches still causing 'chaos'

The buses were seen struggling to manoeuvre due to the small roads and large number of vehicles on the street, which is narrow and has double yellow lines.

Dorset Echo:

Police and traffic control officers were called to the scene to guide the traffic around the end of Newtons Road, at the roundabout with Spring Road and Newberry Gardens.

A port spokesperson said: “There was congestion in Spring Road on Thursday from various sources, however, when it became apparent there was an issue, we sent along two Portland Police officers to assist.

“From what we were told, people were understanding and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience whilst apologising to any inconvenienced motorists and residents,” they added.

Local resident Marian Clarke, 79, said “It’s ludicrous- what worries me is that when the buses park there, the cars can’t see past the buses with no one guiding the cars- there is going to be an accident.

READ: Traffic mayhem from coaches transporting cruise passengers

“It’s lovely that they come to Portland and our lovely town, but this is not the place for it to be done,” she added.

Another resident described the movement along the street as stressful, adding: “The road is all double yellow lines, so it’s crazy to organise something on this little street.”

Dorset Echo:

The spokesperson from the port said there are no current plans to change drop-off points, saying that the calls help to extend the tourist season. They added that there is a likelihood that calls will visit all year round, benefitting local businesses. 

Resident Phil Morgan, 63, who lives in the are,a said the system has been ‘much better’ since Traffic Control Officers have been introduced. “I don’t have an issue about it, and it’s great for the revenue,” he said.

The port acknowledged that there have been ‘a few issues’ regarding congestion to the drop offs of passengers, and whilst the bus operators have staggered the arrival of vehicles to limit the number on the road at one time, they are continuing to ‘monitor the situation closely’ saying: “We are in dialogue with Dorset Council regarding what steps can be made to avoid any congestion issues.”

The complaints come as Portland Port prepares to break records when it welcomes its two largest cruise ships today; the Norwegian Getaway and the Regal Princess.

MSC Virtuosa's arrival back in April brought the greatest number of guests of any single vessel visiting Portland Port so far - described then as a ‘major milestone.’

Dorset Echo: MSC Virtuosa alongside Portland Port on Thursday    Picture: Jim Perkins

The Norwegian Getaway can hold up to 4,819 passengers, whilst the Regal Princess can hold up to 3,560 passengers.

The port says there will be traffic management plans in place, including bus marshals and Portland Police representatives.

This year, the Port welcomed 57 cruise calls, with their spokesperson saying that around £10m has been generated to Portland, Weymouth and further afield.