Chain ferry ticket price rise thrown out by council

Councillors have voted against proposals to increase fares on the Isle of Wight's chain ferry and introduce a new charge for under-19s.

The idea had been to raise passenger and vehicle ticket prices to align the Floating Bridge with Devon's Dartmouth Lower Ferry, as well as introducing a flat rate of £1 per crossing for under-19s between 19:00 and 07:00.

The Dartmouth Lower Ferry currently charges £2.50 for an adult single, £5 for an adult day return, £7.50 for a car or small van single, and £14 for a car or small van day return.

The changes were recommended in a report by the authority's strategic director of community services but rejected during a council committee meeting on Tuesday night.

Currently to use the Floating Bridge an adult single ticket is £1, return £1.50, car or small van single £3, motorcycle £1.70, large van or minibus £3.30, and lorry £9, with discounts available for saver card holders.

The report said the "financial challenge" was the single biggest risk to sustainable public services on the island.

The council needed to "resolutely maximise the deployment of the resources that it does have" towards "driving additional income/funding and cost savings to secure council services for the future," it added.

However, the report also warned of "reputational damage" and that the "improved public perception" of the Floating Bridge may be impacted by a significant fare increase.

It said congestion on Cowes, Newport and East Cowes routes could increase as motorists are deterred from making the crossing.

On the proposed flat rate for under-19s, the document stated that it was likely residents would launch campaigns against the plan with "emotional arguments" about penalising children and youth activities voiced.

All councillors on the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure committee voted against the plans.

The chain ferry crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes and saves an 11-mile round trip by road.