Ferry toll road plans shelved after inquiry

Bulk-buying discounts for ferry users will be retained

Plans to introduce a toll on the approach road to a ferry have been shelved following a public inquiry.

Operators of Sandbanks Ferry in Dorset had sought permission to charge drivers to use Ferry Road in Studland to reduce congestion.

Following an inquiry in January, the Secretary of State followed an inspector's recommendation and said the toll "should not go ahead at this stage".

The ferry firm, which owns the section of road, said it was "reviewing this decision in conjunction with the inspector's report in detail and assessing next steps".

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which operates the service between Sandbanks and Studland, had also sought permission to increase crossing charges for pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes from £1 to £1.75 but, in its decision notice, the government amended the new charge to £1.18.

Bulk-buying discounts, which it also sought to reduce, have been retained.

The ferry firm said the Secretary of State had approved its application to increase ferry tolls "subject to a small number of modifications".

A spokesperson said: "The positive decision... regarding the ferry tolls is essential for securing the future of the ferry.

"We are committed to listening to people and working collaboratively to help our local communities thrive."

It said there would be no increases before 1 April 2026.

In a joint statement, Dorset Council, BCP Council, Swanage Town Council and parish councils in Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle said they welcomed the decision which would allow residents and visitors to "continue to access the Studland peninsula without extra charges".

Dorset councillor for South East Purbeck, Ben Wilson, said: "While we are disappointed that car tolls will rise at all, we are pleased that the bulk ticket discounts we pushed for have been kept in the order.

"We expect the ferry company to be open about its plans, keep its promises, and replace the existing vessel on time to secure the long-term future of this vital transport link."