DORSET Council does not support plans to increase crossing tolls for the Sandbanks Ferry.

The local authority said it was “disappointing” to see the ferry operator wanted to increase fares “just three years into the current 12-year ferry fare plan”.

On Wednesday, Sandbanks Ferry announced it was under “heavy financial strain” due to rising costs in running the ferry coupled with "the pressure of increased corporation tax and lower than projected income".

The operator said it aimed to, with the support of the Department for Transport, align tolls with inflation.

It also reported its proposal received ‘unilateral support’ during a meeting of councillors.

Dorset Council has now made clear it has “not given support for aligning tolls to inflation” and “strongly refutes” any suggestion it has.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “While it was noted that such a system may have benefits for some, agreement was not made on behalf of the Council.

“Key stakeholders such as our portfolio holder for highways and our local ward member for south east Purbeck have not been involved in these conversations either.”

Sandbanks Ferry, which connects Sandbanks and Studland, has been running for more than 100 years.

Referring to a 12-year plan that is already in place for the ferry fares, the Dorset Council spokesperson added: “This plan already includes annual price rises for motorised vehicles, and was agreed by the secretary of state in 2021 after being thoroughly tested through a public inquiry.

“It is also concerning to see that the ferry company is seeking to increase fares for pedestrians and cyclists, which penalises forms of travel that can help to relieve congestion in the nearby area.

“Our position was made clear back in October 2023 when our portfolio holder for finance, commercial and capital strategy informed the ferry company’s managing director that, if an inflationary factor was used, it may seem unfair on customers when the price of fuel falls, for example.

"It was also noted that such a change should be part of a wider public consultation.”