SANDBANKS Ferry tolls have been increased to the maximum amount possible.

Operators of the chain ferry have confirmed the higher toll charges which will come into place from Monday, April 1.

Tolls for cars and goods vehicles up to 3,500kgs will go up 10p to £5.30, while tolls for coaches and goods vehicles between 3,500kgs and 20,000kgs will go up 20p to £10.60.

These are the maximum tolls chargeable set out by the Department for Transport.

There will be no increase to the current £1 toll for pedestrians, pedals and motorcycles.

Jason du Toit, managing director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “We are limited to the increases set out by the DfT and approved by them.

"We appreciate the support from our customers and continue to offer discounts on bulk purchases of vehicle passes for holders of Sandbanks Ferry Toll Cards (SFTC’s).

"We continue to offer discounted books of paper tickets for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles as well.”

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

Last month, operators announced the ferry been put in jeopardy by inflation and tax rises.

The costs of running the chain ferry were said to have “risen exponentially”.

The operator said it aimed to, with the support of the Department for Transport, align tolls with inflation and reduce some of the "unsustainable discounts" currently available whilst increasing others.

Both BCP Council and Dorset Council said they did not support the increase and that it was “disappointing” to see the ferry operator wanted to increase fares “just three years into the current 12-year ferry fare plan”.

At the time, a Dorset Council spokesperson said: “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.”