Sandbanks chain ferry to go cashless

A chain ferry will no longer accept cash from April, its operators have said.

Sandbanks Ferry in Dorset will go cashless from 1 April for all classes of toll, including pedestrians and cycles.

It coincides with price rises, agreed by the Department for Transport following a public inquiry.

Operators had sought permission to increase 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.

The fee for cars, vans and minibuses to travel between Sandbanks and Studland will increase from £5.40 to £6.26.

Goods vehicles, buses and coaches will pay £12.52, up from £10.80.

Mike Kean, chairman of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: "We greatly value the support from our customers and community, whose continued custom supports the long-term future of the ferry crossing.

"The implementation of cashless operations is part of a wider movement across the company to create operational and cost efficiencies."

The ferry's operators had also sought permission to charge drivers to use Ferry Road in Studland to reduce congestion.

But, following the inquiry in January 2025, the secretary of state followed an inspector's recommendation and said the toll "should not go ahead at this stage".

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