CONCERNS have been voiced about the impact plans to increase charges on the Sandbanks Ferry could have on regular users.

Representatives from Purbeck District Council say they understand the need for the service to be "viable in the long term", but prices must be affordable for people who rely on the ferry service.

As reported by the Daily Echo, an application has been submitted to the Department for Transport by ferry operators Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company to increase tolls up to 2021.

If approved, the charge foot passengers would increase to £2, with car tolls increasing to £6, and HGV and buses coaches costing £12.

Marginal increases are set to come into force in April, bringing the previous toll schedule to a conclusion.

A spokesperson for Purbeck District Council said: “The ferry is an essential service for a great number of residents on the Isle of Purbeck, both for travel to work and leisure.

"We recognise the need for the service to be viable in the long term in order to safeguard it, but prices also need to be affordable for the people who are dependent on the ferry.

"We are also concerned that more people will be forced to use the already busy A351 if this proposed increase is implemented."

The ferry company said the rise in tolls is necessary to meet increased costs of running the service and overall users are understanding.

In addition, they said eventually the ferry will need to be replaced, which will cost a significant sum of money.

However, a 20p increase, like this year's rise, was implemented last April and motorists described it as a "rip off" and claimed it would be cheaper to drive round via Corfe Castle.

The notice advertising the increase says anyone having a "substantial interest" may object to the application up until April 3 by giving notice via email to nationalcasework@dft.gsi.gov.uk or in writing to the Secretary of State at the Department for Transport.