Sandbanks chain-link ferry prices to rise

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Not only locals but also tourism will suffer if tolls on the Sandbanks Ferry rise, it has been claimed.

Due to the number of objections from residents and tourist groups upset over proposals to raise ferry tolls, a Public Inquiry has been convened to look into the proposed increases in foot passenger prices from 90p to £1 and car prices from £3 to £3.50.

Purbeck tax payers, Studland Parish Council, Swanage Town Council, Purbeck Tourism, the Dorset Cycle Network and the Wessex Cyclists’ Touring Club all objected.

John South from Studland suggested cash could be raised from charging to park along the section of Ferry Road owned by the operators, reducing tolls. But Michael Kean, a director of the ferry’s parent company, Fairacres Group, said the last attempt to do so 15 years ago was rejected by the council.

Others argued that similar ferries were cheaper and said there should be bigger discounts for locals.

Martin Ayres, deputy town clerk of Swanage, said: “The chain ferry is used regularly by local residents, many of whom commute daily to the larger towns of Poole and Bournemouth. The proposed increases in the ferry charges has the potential to impact on the viability of their employment.”

The operators say that the rises are needed to secure the future of the service, continuing a 6% return to shareholders and helping put the company in a position to buy a new ferry within 10 years, which would currently cost between £5 million and £6 million.

General manager Neil McCheyne said the company received no help. He added: “A lot of ferry companies are subsidised because they’re council-owned and council-run. One ferry company that we’re often compared with is the Torpoint Ferry, which is council run and very heavily subsidised by the Tamar Bridge.”

Because the ferry is regulated by an Act of Parliament, the Department for Transport will make the final decision in the next few weeks and if the toll increases are approved, they would be phased in.