Ryde Pier shut to vehicles over failed inspection

Wightlink's new catamarans operate between Portsmouth and Ryde

Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight has closed to vehicles after the structure failed a routine maintenance check.

The Wightlink terminal will continue to take foot passengers on its Portsmouth route but vehicles were banned from the pier after the 0045 BST sailing.

Customers who have parked at the site will be granted permission to remove their vehicles.

The operator is waiting for a schedule of the repair work before deciding when to reopen the pier to pedestrians.

The ferry operator has apologised to customers and advised them to allow adequate time to make their sailings in view of the restrictions.

Season ticket holders for the car park will be allowed to park at Fishbourne and use its ferry service to Portsmouth.

The council has also agreed to let these permit holders park in Quay Street and St Thomas' Street council car parks in Ryde up until Monday.