Passenger boats could cut Dorset traffic

Residents in Dorset and east Devon are being asked about plans to bring in passenger boats to cut coastal traffic.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been looking into the viability of waterborne travel.

Pilot routes could link Weymouth to Portland, Bournemouth with Swanage, Studland and Poole, and Sidmouth with Seaton, Lyme Regis and West Bay.

The plans form part of a wider transport review for the county.

Under the proposals, small-scale privately-owned vessels could offer transport along the coast where they will link up with existing public transport services.

The move is hoped to relieve pressure on roads and towns along the Jurassic Coast which can become congested during the summer months.

Residents have until 28 February to comment on the idea which forms part of the draft joint local transport plan for Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.