Row over passenger toll proposals for Cowes floating bridge

The so-called floating bridge at Cowes has been in operation since 1859

Plans to introduce charges for foot passengers and cyclists using the so-called floating bridge at Cowes on the Isle of Wight have angered residents.

The 38-year-old chain ferry, which links Cowes and East Cowes, is due to be replaced by Isle of Wight Council.

A Facebook group has been formed to campaign against a 50p charge each way, which it says would ruin businesses.

The council says charges are needed as funding for the new ferry will not cover the full cost.

Marcie Hansen, an East Cowes resident, said: "It would be £1 a day - if you are a parent going over to pick up your child from school, that adds up each month.

One million passengers

"I don't think you should be taxing people to walk - it's going to separate the communities even more."

The authority says it is under no legal obligation to provide the service.

The chain ferry, which takes about two to three minutes to cross the river and means users avoid a 20-mile round trip, has provided free river crossings for pedestrians and cyclists since 1992.

An estimated one million foot passengers and cyclists use it each year.

Tolls for drivers currently range from £2.20 for cars to £7.60 for lorries.

Last April, the council made a joint bid with Southampton City Council for funding for a project to provide a new floating bridge and upgrade the Red Funnel ferry terminals in East Cowes and Southampton.

The council is expected to make a decision over the charges in January 2015, with the new floating bridge in operation from the summer of 2016.

Residents have until 31 October to share their views on the proposals.