| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:06, 8th November 2025 |     |
From the BBC:
Ferry toll road plans shelved after inquiry
Plans to introduce a toll on the approach road to a ferry have been shelved following a public inquiry.
Operators of Sandbanks Ferry in Dorset had sought permission to charge drivers to use Ferry Road in Studland to reduce congestion.
Following an inquiry in January, the Secretary of State followed an inspector's recommendation and said the toll "should not go ahead at this stage".
The ferry firm, which owns the section of road, said it was "reviewing this decision in conjunction with the inspector's report in detail and assessing next steps".
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which operates the service between Sandbanks and Studland, had also sought permission to increase crossing charges for pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes from £1 to £1.75 but, in its decision notice, the government amended the new charge to £1.18. Bulk-buying discounts, which it also sought to reduce, have been retained.
The ferry firm said the Secretary of State had approved its application to increase ferry tolls "subject to a small number of modifications". A spokesperson said: "The positive decision... regarding the ferry tolls is essential for securing the future of the ferry. We are committed to listening to people and working collaboratively to help our local communities thrive." It said there would be no increases before 1 April 2026.
In a joint statement, Dorset Council, BCP Council, Swanage Town Council and parish councils in Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle said they welcomed the decision which would allow residents and visitors to "continue to access the Studland peninsula without extra charges".
Dorset councillor for South East Purbeck, Ben Wilson, said: "While we are disappointed that car tolls will rise at all, we are pleased that the bulk ticket discounts we pushed for have been kept in the order. We expect the ferry company to be open about its plans, keep its promises, and replace the existing vessel on time to secure the long-term future of this vital transport link."
Plans to introduce a toll on the approach road to a ferry have been shelved following a public inquiry.
Operators of Sandbanks Ferry in Dorset had sought permission to charge drivers to use Ferry Road in Studland to reduce congestion.
Following an inquiry in January, the Secretary of State followed an inspector's recommendation and said the toll "should not go ahead at this stage".
The ferry firm, which owns the section of road, said it was "reviewing this decision in conjunction with the inspector's report in detail and assessing next steps".
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which operates the service between Sandbanks and Studland, had also sought permission to increase crossing charges for pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes from £1 to £1.75 but, in its decision notice, the government amended the new charge to £1.18. Bulk-buying discounts, which it also sought to reduce, have been retained.
The ferry firm said the Secretary of State had approved its application to increase ferry tolls "subject to a small number of modifications". A spokesperson said: "The positive decision... regarding the ferry tolls is essential for securing the future of the ferry. We are committed to listening to people and working collaboratively to help our local communities thrive." It said there would be no increases before 1 April 2026.
In a joint statement, Dorset Council, BCP Council, Swanage Town Council and parish councils in Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle said they welcomed the decision which would allow residents and visitors to "continue to access the Studland peninsula without extra charges".
Dorset councillor for South East Purbeck, Ben Wilson, said: "While we are disappointed that car tolls will rise at all, we are pleased that the bulk ticket discounts we pushed for have been kept in the order. We expect the ferry company to be open about its plans, keep its promises, and replace the existing vessel on time to secure the long-term future of this vital transport link."
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 10:49, 2nd November 2019 | |
And it's out of action again, albeit temporarily.
From Sandbanks Ferry on Twitter
SERVICE SUSPENDED DUE TO WEATHER - We've had to suspend service for a while due to the stormy weather making it too dangerous to run
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 10:36, 2nd November 2019 | |
Well they said it would resume in October and on the 31st it did.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-50237292
A chain ferry which helps motorists avoid a 25-mile (40km) drive has returned to service 16 weeks after being removed for repair work.
The Sandbanks Ferry, which provides a connection between Poole and the Isle of Purbeck, was taken out of service on 12 July after its drive shaft broke.
The operator said it wanted to apologise to residents and businesses who had experienced "a difficult and frustrating summer".
It resumed crossings at 07:00 GMT.
The Sandbanks Ferry, which provides a connection between Poole and the Isle of Purbeck, was taken out of service on 12 July after its drive shaft broke.
The operator said it wanted to apologise to residents and businesses who had experienced "a difficult and frustrating summer".
It resumed crossings at 07:00 GMT.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by ellendune at 20:14, 1st August 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
Yes for the cars and buses its called a road. Unfortunately like so many replacement services, it's a very long way round!
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by martyjon at 03:09, 1st August 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
Get the Army to build a temporary pontoon bridge with a swinging section to allow shipping to pass just like the swing bridge on Bristols Prince Street.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by MVR S&T at 23:33, 31st July 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:48, 31st July 2019 | |
Unfortunately, the ferry is now out of service for the whole summer. Now expected to resume by the end of October.
From Dorset Echo
Backlash after Sandbanks ferry cancels services until autumn
NEWS that the Sandbanks Ferry will be out of action until October has been greeted with a barrage of criticism from residents, businesses and visitors.
The troubled Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company revealed the latest setback in a statement released yesterday.
Now Studland parish council is calling on the company to organise alternative crossings.
Ferry services were withdrawn on July 12 with users told urgent repairs were needed and that the ferry would not operate until August 12.
But now the company has delivered the blow that it will not operate until the autumn, meaning people will have to drive 25 miles instead.
Parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter said residents are suffering during the busy school summer holiday due to traffic congestion and he said businesses in the area are losing customers.
“We are obviously shocked about the latest delay but what really concerns us is that there is no alternative provision” he said.
“The parish council is requesting that a shuttle service is operated on the route, which could be served by buses on either side. It would be very simple to do
“We have already noticed that the beach empties earlier than usual because people have a long journey home and for people who live here the traffic in Wareham, Corfe and Sandford is a lot heavier.”
He added: “It is more than an inconvenience.”
Local residents have taken to social media with Sarah Brookes saying: “This is crazy - I rely on this for work” and Anna Waymouth adding: “It is time the contract for this journey was put up for tender.”
Visitor Ann Wright added: “We are holiday makers but feel really sorry for the residents and visitors who are so badly affected.”
The ferry company statement said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday, July 12 following an unexpected fracture of one of the main drive shafts and is currently at a repair facility in Southampton.
“We are working very closely with the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency) and Lloyds Register of Shipping (our Class Surveyors for Insurers) to ensure all repairs are conducted to Class standards and specification.”
It says a broken shaft and drive wheel have been removed and that a specialist part has been ordered from Sweden.
It added: “We are in constant communication with the manufacturers to speed this process up, as well as researching alternatives. We do not anticipate being able to resume service until sometime in October. We hope to have a much clearer picture of the return to service date next week.”
The company apologised to customers.
The announcements is the latest in a series of setbacks. The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
NEWS that the Sandbanks Ferry will be out of action until October has been greeted with a barrage of criticism from residents, businesses and visitors.
The troubled Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company revealed the latest setback in a statement released yesterday.
Now Studland parish council is calling on the company to organise alternative crossings.
Ferry services were withdrawn on July 12 with users told urgent repairs were needed and that the ferry would not operate until August 12.
But now the company has delivered the blow that it will not operate until the autumn, meaning people will have to drive 25 miles instead.
Parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter said residents are suffering during the busy school summer holiday due to traffic congestion and he said businesses in the area are losing customers.
“We are obviously shocked about the latest delay but what really concerns us is that there is no alternative provision” he said.
“The parish council is requesting that a shuttle service is operated on the route, which could be served by buses on either side. It would be very simple to do
“We have already noticed that the beach empties earlier than usual because people have a long journey home and for people who live here the traffic in Wareham, Corfe and Sandford is a lot heavier.”
He added: “It is more than an inconvenience.”
Local residents have taken to social media with Sarah Brookes saying: “This is crazy - I rely on this for work” and Anna Waymouth adding: “It is time the contract for this journey was put up for tender.”
Visitor Ann Wright added: “We are holiday makers but feel really sorry for the residents and visitors who are so badly affected.”
The ferry company statement said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday, July 12 following an unexpected fracture of one of the main drive shafts and is currently at a repair facility in Southampton.
“We are working very closely with the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency) and Lloyds Register of Shipping (our Class Surveyors for Insurers) to ensure all repairs are conducted to Class standards and specification.”
It says a broken shaft and drive wheel have been removed and that a specialist part has been ordered from Sweden.
It added: “We are in constant communication with the manufacturers to speed this process up, as well as researching alternatives. We do not anticipate being able to resume service until sometime in October. We hope to have a much clearer picture of the return to service date next week.”
The company apologised to customers.
The announcements is the latest in a series of setbacks. The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by grahame at 07:48, 20th July 2019 | |
There is an unemployed chain ferry sat at Gosport.
Do they run on one or two chains? And if two, is the Gosport one of Stevenson or Brunel gauge?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 07:40, 20th July 2019 | |
There is an unemployed chain ferry sat at Gosport.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Timmer at 21:53, 19th July 2019 | |
What an awful time of year for it to break down just before the school summer holidays.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 21:30, 19th July 2019 | |
Having previously been out of action over the new year, the ferry has broken down again.
A few days ago I posted that it had broken again but was to start again on Tuesday. That date has now slipped to 12th August at the earliest.
From Dorset Echo - Sandbanks Ferry withdrawal a 'nightmare' for business and residents
TRAFFIC chaos could put thousands of people off visiting Studland and Purbeck due to the withdrawal of the Sandbanks Ferry for most of the summer, it has been claimed.
Businesses will suffer and residents will be forced to spend hours getting to work and back every day, according to Studland parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter.
Now he has called for more investment in the ferry and has urged the operators to be more open with the public.
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company has announced the service will be out of action until at least August 12.
It will be towed to Southampton for “costly” repairs.
The announcement comes just days before the start of the school summer holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Dorset throughout the summer holiday, many heading for popular spots such as Sandbanks and Purbeck.
The withdrawal of the service is the latest in a series of problems.
The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
Mr Boulter told the Daily Echo: “We are very disappointed that the ferry is out of action again. It has a major impact on people coming here on holiday or for day trips but also for the local businesses. It has a very serious knock-on effect – it is a nightmare for people trying to get here so sometimes they just don’t come.”
When the ferry is not operating, motorists face a 25-mile trip by road via Poole and Wareham.
Mr Boulter added: “We are concerned as to whether the company is investing adequately in the ferry. They are also very poor at communication. They make no effort to reach out to the public and explain what is actually happening.”
The ferry was withdrawn on Friday and the operators simply said there would be a further announcement on Wednesday.
It said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday July 12 following a fracture of one of the main drive shafts.”
“The ferry has two independent drive systems which consists of diesel engines driving a hydraulic pump.
“This provides the hydraulic pressure to turn a hydraulic motor which is connected to the drive wheel via a drive shaft. It is one of these drive shafts which has broken. In order to remove the drive wheel to change the broken shaft requires specialist repairers.
“In order to speed up the whole repair process we have taken the costly decision to have the ferry towed to a suitably equipped repair facility in Southampton to have the work undertaken.”
“It is difficult to put a timescale on how long this work will take but we estimate that we will be out of service until at least August 12. We sincerely apologise to all our valued customers.”
Businesses will suffer and residents will be forced to spend hours getting to work and back every day, according to Studland parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter.
Now he has called for more investment in the ferry and has urged the operators to be more open with the public.
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company has announced the service will be out of action until at least August 12.
It will be towed to Southampton for “costly” repairs.
The announcement comes just days before the start of the school summer holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Dorset throughout the summer holiday, many heading for popular spots such as Sandbanks and Purbeck.
The withdrawal of the service is the latest in a series of problems.
The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
Mr Boulter told the Daily Echo: “We are very disappointed that the ferry is out of action again. It has a major impact on people coming here on holiday or for day trips but also for the local businesses. It has a very serious knock-on effect – it is a nightmare for people trying to get here so sometimes they just don’t come.”
When the ferry is not operating, motorists face a 25-mile trip by road via Poole and Wareham.
Mr Boulter added: “We are concerned as to whether the company is investing adequately in the ferry. They are also very poor at communication. They make no effort to reach out to the public and explain what is actually happening.”
The ferry was withdrawn on Friday and the operators simply said there would be a further announcement on Wednesday.
It said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday July 12 following a fracture of one of the main drive shafts.”
“The ferry has two independent drive systems which consists of diesel engines driving a hydraulic pump.
“This provides the hydraulic pressure to turn a hydraulic motor which is connected to the drive wheel via a drive shaft. It is one of these drive shafts which has broken. In order to remove the drive wheel to change the broken shaft requires specialist repairers.
“In order to speed up the whole repair process we have taken the costly decision to have the ferry towed to a suitably equipped repair facility in Southampton to have the work undertaken.”
“It is difficult to put a timescale on how long this work will take but we estimate that we will be out of service until at least August 12. We sincerely apologise to all our valued customers.”
Previously discussed here..
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 20:16, 14th July 2019 | |
Sandbanks ferry was out of action again this weekend.
From Bournemouth Echo
THE Sandbanks Ferry has been suspended until Tuesday due to a "mechanical issue."
The ferry company said on Twitter just before 9.45am this morning (Friday 12th July 2019) that the service had been suspended.
In a later update, the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company said the ferry would be suspended over the weekend and on Monday.
A spokesperson said they hoped to be able to provide an update on Monday.
More follows.
The ferry company said on Twitter just before 9.45am this morning (Friday 12th July 2019) that the service had been suspended.
In a later update, the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company said the ferry would be suspended over the weekend and on Monday.
A spokesperson said they hoped to be able to provide an update on Monday.
More follows.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 07:48, 31st January 2019 | |
Almost certainly caused by how they stitched the separate images of the mosaic together. Try it in StreetView you can drive from one ferry and meet the other one on the other side!
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by stuving at 20:36, 30th January 2019 | |
All the comments about the Sandbanks ferry brought to mind something I spotted a while ago on the Google Maps aerial view of the ferry. Two ferries on one set of chains ?? Do you transfer from one ferry to the other mid-crossing ? Broad gauge to Standard gauge all over again.
If you think that's worrying, look on Google Earth, where there's a choice of older images. One of those in 2005 shows a half-submerged ferry loaded with cars - now why did I never hear about that accident?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Clan Line at 20:02, 30th January 2019 | |
All the comments about the Sandbanks ferry brought to mind something I spotted a while ago on the Google Maps aerial view of the ferry. Two ferries on one set of chains ?? Do you transfer from one ferry to the other mid-crossing ? Broad gauge to Standard gauge all over again.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 18:32, 30th January 2019 | |
Cycling down the Fareham - Gosport busway is certainly permitted; buses, bikes and ESVs (emergency service vehicles) during opening hours. It is closed off at night because the temptation for car racing would probably be too great.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by eightf48544 at 11:53, 30th January 2019 | |
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:21, 29th January 2019 | |
Well it was lucky I looked at this thread, as I was intending to use the Sandbanks ferry this coming weekend. Does anyone know what is happening with the bus service that uses it to get to Swanage?
The ferry has just gone back into (reduced) service after being out of service for quite a long time so I would imagine that the 50 bus will resume its normal route. Did you cancel or postpone your visit to Swanage?
From BBC
A car ferry which has only operated for two days since October has resumed services.
The Sandbanks Ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was forced to halt crossings following mechanical problems.
The chain ferry, which normally runs every 20 minutes, resumed a reduced half hourly service from 10:00 GMT.
The ferry operator said it had been signed off as "safe to resume service" by the Marine and Coastguard Agency.
It was initially taken out of service for annual maintenance on 29 October.
The ferry resumed services on 20 December but developed a "serious hydraulic issue" the following day.
The operator said the issue had been fixed but added that further repairs would be needed after "issues were discovered, that were unrelated to the leak".
"At some point we will need to suspend service again whilst the replacement parts are fitted," it added.
The ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay.
The service avoids a 25-mile (40km) detour between Swanage and Bournemouth.
The Sandbanks Ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was forced to halt crossings following mechanical problems.
The chain ferry, which normally runs every 20 minutes, resumed a reduced half hourly service from 10:00 GMT.
The ferry operator said it had been signed off as "safe to resume service" by the Marine and Coastguard Agency.
It was initially taken out of service for annual maintenance on 29 October.
The ferry resumed services on 20 December but developed a "serious hydraulic issue" the following day.
The operator said the issue had been fixed but added that further repairs would be needed after "issues were discovered, that were unrelated to the leak".
"At some point we will need to suspend service again whilst the replacement parts are fitted," it added.
The ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay.
The service avoids a 25-mile (40km) detour between Swanage and Bournemouth.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by eightf48544 at 12:01, 31st December 2018 | |
You could also add Woolston or Southampton Terminus for the Itchen Floating Bridge. Which as my grandmother lived in Woolston we used a lot. I even remember the trams on the Southampton side.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 10:27, 30th December 2018 | |
The answer to my implied question (to myself?) about the chain ferry moored at Gosport. It is the old Cowes chain ferry, having looked more specifically yesterday after a cycle ride down the busway.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 10:27, 27th December 2018 | |
Well you always get added value on this forum! Thanks for the extra info.
I think I will stick to checking the progress on the extension to the Fareham-Gosport Busway (ex-Gosport branch railway), and then Gosport Ferry this Saturday. No engineering and no industrial action.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 21:59, 26th December 2018 | |
Well it was lucky I looked at this thread, as I was intending to use the Sandbanks ferry this coming weekend. Does anyone know what is happening with the bus service that uses it to get to Swanage?
It's on a very lengthy diversion.
From MoreBus
Sandbanks Ferry Out of Action AGAIN - from 22 December
Saturday, December 22 2018
UPDATE: The ferry is out of action AGAIN from start of service on Saturday 22 December. Our buses will continue to use the diversion route and timetable.
Boxing Day: The planned Boxing Day timetable will now be affected due to this emergency closure. Please download new timetable below.
During this time, the 50 will be diverted and will run to a revised timetable. The main service will divert from Westbourne to Swanage via Poole and Wareham (the land route) and then continue onto Studland where it will terminate, and the reverse will happen in the opposite direction. A shorter shuttle service will run between Bournemouth and Sandbanks with the first and last service of the day to and from Swanage also serving Sandbanks.
The following sections of the route will receive no service during the closure:
Between Bournemouth Interchange and Bournemouth Square in both directions (customers can connect with the m1, 13 or 17 to carry out this part of the route)
Between Shell Bay Ferry Offices and Studland Beach Cafe
As soon as the ferry refurbishment has finished and it is in full operation, we will revert our service back its normal timetable.
We apologise for any inconvenience or delay caused during this closure. Unfortunately our roadside timetables don't reflect this diversion as we took them down again after the refit was complete, so please use website information only.
Saturday, December 22 2018
UPDATE: The ferry is out of action AGAIN from start of service on Saturday 22 December. Our buses will continue to use the diversion route and timetable.
Boxing Day: The planned Boxing Day timetable will now be affected due to this emergency closure. Please download new timetable below.
During this time, the 50 will be diverted and will run to a revised timetable. The main service will divert from Westbourne to Swanage via Poole and Wareham (the land route) and then continue onto Studland where it will terminate, and the reverse will happen in the opposite direction. A shorter shuttle service will run between Bournemouth and Sandbanks with the first and last service of the day to and from Swanage also serving Sandbanks.
The following sections of the route will receive no service during the closure:
Between Bournemouth Interchange and Bournemouth Square in both directions (customers can connect with the m1, 13 or 17 to carry out this part of the route)
Between Shell Bay Ferry Offices and Studland Beach Cafe
As soon as the ferry refurbishment has finished and it is in full operation, we will revert our service back its normal timetable.
We apologise for any inconvenience or delay caused during this closure. Unfortunately our roadside timetables don't reflect this diversion as we took them down again after the refit was complete, so please use website information only.
Diversion map below and zoomable PDF here: http://www.morebus.co.uk/article.shtml?articleid=8763
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 21:51, 26th December 2018 | |
Are the residents of Sandbanks complaining they can't afford the ferry!!! Mind they have not had a lot of luck in the Poole area recently, took them a long time to sort their bridge out.
Last I heard they still haven't.
Yes it broke again today
From Bournemouth Echo
THERE appears to be a problem with the Twin Sails Bridge... again.
As reported, the troublesome structure reopened in time for Christmas, although without any repairs having been carried out.
The bridge had previously been out of actions for several weeks.
Engineers decided it could run on one hydraulic ram and with a slower and reduced lifting schedule.
However, today it appears that there are problems at the bridge once again, with one of the leaves apparently stuck half-way up.
Specialist engineers are due to visit at the end of January to try to resolve the outstanding issue with the bridge's second hydraulic cylinder.
Poole Bridge is also currently operating on a reduced number of lifts.
As reported, the troublesome structure reopened in time for Christmas, although without any repairs having been carried out.
The bridge had previously been out of actions for several weeks.
Engineers decided it could run on one hydraulic ram and with a slower and reduced lifting schedule.
However, today it appears that there are problems at the bridge once again, with one of the leaves apparently stuck half-way up.
Specialist engineers are due to visit at the end of January to try to resolve the outstanding issue with the bridge's second hydraulic cylinder.
Poole Bridge is also currently operating on a reduced number of lifts.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by froome at 21:29, 26th December 2018 | |
Well it was lucky I looked at this thread, as I was intending to use the Sandbanks ferry this coming weekend. Does anyone know what is happening with the bus service that uses it to get to Swanage?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by stuving at 20:38, 26th December 2018 | |
Are the residents of Sandbanks complaining they can't afford the ferry!!! Mind they have not had a lot of luck in the Poole area recently, took them a long time to sort their bridge out.
Last I heard they still haven't.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 20:02, 26th December 2018 | |
Yes they were chain ferries. There is currently a chain ferry moored adjacent to the Gosport pier of the Gosport ferry. Don't know if it was connected with the idea of making the Hayling Ferry a chain ferry, a non-starter if ever I heard of one. I think the Hayling Ferry is struggling out of season. The problem with taking the Gosport chain ferry out of service was that the replacements don't take cars and it is a long drive round.
Cowes chain ferry has had repeated problems and periods out of service this year. Fortunately the jet foil to West Cowes (from Southampton) will take the Brompton.
Are the residents of Sandbanks complaining they can't afford the ferry!!! Mind they have not had a lot of luck in the Poole area recently, took them a long time to sort their bridge out.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Celestial at 19:39, 26th December 2018 | |
The Sandbanks ferry is currently out of action with serious hydraulic problems, despite having just come back from its annual service. The firm has just had a bid to increase fares, to aid its replacement, refused.
I can't help wondering whether the breakdown is a convenient opportunity to remind people how important the ferry is after the refusal.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by bradshaw at 17:57, 26th December 2018 | |
I would agree; Floating bridges, using chains. The Gosport chain ferry ceased to operate in 1959 when ordinary ferries took over.
The Sandbanks ferry is currently out of action with serious hydraulic problems, despite having just come back from its annual service. The firm has just had a bid to increase fares, to aid its replacement, refused.
Another example was the Renfrew ferry which I used a great deal in the mid-1960s
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by eightonedee at 17:18, 26th December 2018 | |
Were/are they all chain ferries?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 17:16, 26th December 2018 | |
Yes they are all associated with ferries, although most people would more logically call the Swanage ferry the Sandbanks ferry (but Google will find the Swanage ferry).
All across estuaries or rivers so unlikely to have been railway owned?
So as it was far too easy! The supplementary question is what did Gosport, Cowes and Swanage ferries have in common?
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by eightonedee at 17:00, 26th December 2018 | |
Two guesses -
They were departure points for ferry or boat trips and you could get a combined ticket, or
They had sailing regattas for which extra trains were provided
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Reginald25 at 14:09, 26th December 2018 | |
Yes but Christchurch station is not the orginal which closed between the wars.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by johnneyw at 13:51, 26th December 2018 | |
What do the following, mostly former, railway locations have in common:
Hayling Island
Gosport
Hamble
Cowes
Hythe
Christchurch
Swanage
Hayling Island
Gosport
Hamble
Cowes
Hythe
Christchurch
Swanage
Well South coast to start with. Also either closed or heritage?
Edit: Just realised the Christchurch is still an open mainline station although still on the coast.
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by CyclingSid at 13:46, 26th December 2018 | |
What do the following, mostly former, railway locations have in common:
Hayling Island
Gosport
Hamble
Cowes
Hythe
Christchurch
Swanage
| Re: Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:45, 26th October 2014 | |
Incidentally the ferry will be out of action for 4-5 weeks from 3rd November for a scheduled refit.
http://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/news.php
| Sandbanks Ferry - Bournemouth <-> Swanage (merged topics) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:07, 26th October 2014 | |
From the BBC:
Sandbanks ferry suspended after chain break
Bramble Bush Bay is 242ft long (74m) and can carry up to 48 cars
The car ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was suspended for nearly two days after one of the chains guiding it broke.
The Sandbanks Ferry was forced to halt crossings on Thursday morning.
Operators spent more than 10 hours replacing the chain and the ferry was returned to service at about 19:20 BST on Friday.
It is unclear what has caused the latest breakage but passing vessels have been ruled out.
In July, the service was put out of action when a passing cross-channel ferry was suspected of clipping and breaking a chain.
Work to install a new chain began earlier
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident in July although Brittany Ferries said an inspection of its ferry by divers showed no sign of an impact.
The Sandbanks chain ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay. The shortest alternative road route from shore to shore is 27 miles.
Bramble Bush Bay is 242ft long (74m) and can carry up to 48 cars
The car ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was suspended for nearly two days after one of the chains guiding it broke.
The Sandbanks Ferry was forced to halt crossings on Thursday morning.
Operators spent more than 10 hours replacing the chain and the ferry was returned to service at about 19:20 BST on Friday.
It is unclear what has caused the latest breakage but passing vessels have been ruled out.
In July, the service was put out of action when a passing cross-channel ferry was suspected of clipping and breaking a chain.
Work to install a new chain began earlier
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident in July although Brittany Ferries said an inspection of its ferry by divers showed no sign of an impact.
The Sandbanks chain ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay. The shortest alternative road route from shore to shore is 27 miles.
