Automated tolls at chain ferry put jobs at risk

A new automated toll process for a chain ferry will put jobs at risk, its chairman has confirmed.

The Sandbanks Ferry, which links Poole and Studland in Dorset, will go cashless from 1 April for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

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

Mike Kean, chairman of the Sandbanks Ferry, said the the operator would be introducing new, automated toll payment systems for all passengers later this year, which "could result in the need for a small number of redundancies".

From 1 April, 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.

Kean said the business was going through a "digital transformation" and that "the adoption of efficiency measures is vital to ensure the long-term future of the ferry service".

He added that later this year the company would be introducing new, automated toll payment systems for all passengers.

"Our team have been briefed on the forthcoming changes and what this means for them," he said.

"Automated tolling processes allow for significant efficiencies for the ferry operation, including helping to minimise traffic queues, but regrettably could result in the need for a small number of redundancies for those in specific toll-related roles.

"We are at the beginning of a formal consultation period and are taking all steps possible to look after our affected team members."

The current vessel, Bramble Bush Bay, was introduced in 1994.

The ferry saves motorists a 25-mile (40km) journey by road between Studland and Sandbanks.