A COMMUTER has blasted proposed increases in the Sandbanks Ferry toll as “totally unreasonable”.

David Evans, 34, drives every day from Swanage to work in Christchurch, using the ferry at a cost of £3 each way.

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, regulated by an act of parliament, wants to raise tolls and a public inquiry will be held in April to hear views.

Mr Evans said: “Even with the 20 per cent discount on a bulk purchase of 50 tickets, which last regular commuters just one month, the proposed cost will mean £140 per month, almost £1,700 per annum.”

He said in comparison, the Cowes ferry cost £1.50 and Torpoint ferry to Plymouth was just 50p for regular users.

Mr Evans accused the ferry operators of holding commuters “to ransom” because the only alternative is a long drive through Purbeck.

He added: “Purbeck is simply becoming too expensive, and this is massively affected by the charges of the ferry.”

Ferry general manager Neil McCheyne said the Department for Transport had to approve toll rises.

“The ferries in both Cowes and Plymouth are local authority-owned and, in fact, subsidised.

“We’re saying these are necessary. Our submission – available to see in Swanage Library and Canford Cliffs Library and on our website – justifies the application in our view,” he said.

Mr McChyene said the rises would be phased in, which would mean a 20p increase each way for Mr Evans this year, rising to 50p next year.

The inquiry takes place at Studland Village Hall at 10am on Tuesday, April 21.