Passenger toll for Cowes floating bridge delayed

The 38-year-old chain ferry, which links Cowes and East Cowes, is being replaced by Isle of Wight Council next summer

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

Fees were due to start earlier, but a delay in installing the new system means charging has been postponed until Monday 27 July.

The council said reintroducing charges was necessary to fund a new ferry and support the service.

But it angered residents who formed a Facebook group to oppose the charges.

Councillor Shirley Smart, Isle of Wight Council's executive member for economy and tourism, said a week's delay was "necessary" to ensure staff were fully trained on the new equipment.

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

The 38-year-old chain ferry, which links Cowes and East Cowes, is being replaced by Isle of Wight Council next summer.

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. From Monday, pedestrians and cyclists will have to pay 40p return.

Once a smartcard system is introduced, those using the scheme will continue to pay 40p, but it will cost non-smartcard holders 70p. Travel is free for under 19s or bus pass holders.

The decision to charge pedestrians and cyclists was made in February.