TWO alternative toll price regimes have been submitted to The Planning Inspectorate, on the eve of an inquiry into proposed ticket hikes for the Sandbanks chain ferry.

The alternative proposals, from a consortium of three councils and the National Trust, seek to place the burden of any ticket increase on occasional users of the Poole Harbour crossing.

Now the inquiry, which was due to start earlier this week, has been adjourned until the New Year to allow these suggested alternatives to be consulted on.

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, operator of the Sandbanks chain ferry, is attempting to secure approval for raising ticket prices.

Mike Kean, managing director of the ferry company, said: "Toll increases are a necessary part of the mix in ensuring that our vital service to local businesses, residents and tourists is maintained long into the future."

The single trip ticket prices sought by the company are between a five per cent to 5.56 per cent increase on the last approved maximum tolls chargeable amounts – set back in 2015.

If approved, eventually over the next 12 years fees for foot passengers, bicycle and motorbike users heading to Studland could rise from £1 to £1.50 and for cars in both directions from £4.50 to £6.75.

However, one of the alternative proposals – suggested by a consortium of BCP Council, Dorset Council and Swanage Town Council – will effectively freeze the charges for pedestrians and cyclists until March 2032.

Instead the consortium's alternative proposal places the burden of increases on single-trip car use, which, the consortium says, "will affect predominantly occasional users and one-off visitors."

Under the suggested consortium proposal prices for individual vehicle journeys would need to increase at a faster rate than the company's current proposal, but to a lower end price of £6.50 compared to £6.75.

The consortium's proposal lodged with the Planning Inspectorate stated: "The counter-proposal has been designed so that total income generated over the forecast 13 years is enough to purchase the replacement ferry.

"The consortium's proposal generates £49,188,165, which should be sufficient (based on the company's own figures)."

The National Trust also submitted its own counter proposal in evidence to the inquiry, to introduce a variable pricing model to "incentivise people who would benefit from regular ferry use."

Under the National Trust proposal pre-bought tickets could be bought in batches of 50 for £100, equating to £2 per crossing.

They said: "By restricting it to a bulk purchase, casual users are unlikely to purchase this amount and will pay the full ticket price of £4.50."

Any comments on the alternative proposals have to be received by The Planning Inspectorate, in writing, by December 9.

The inquiry will resume online at 9.30am on Tuesday, January 5.