PRESS RELEASE – 12TH JUNE 2020

Sandbanks Ferry announces health and safety measures for return to service for foot passengers and cyclists

The Sandbanks Ferry Company is today providing more details of the health and safety measures that will be in place when the ferry returns to service on Wednesday 17 June following the completion of annual maintenance and refit works and in anticipation of an increase in passenger numbers.

The Ferry Company is pleased to be announcing that it will also be carrying foot passengers and cyclists from 07:00 on 17 June 2020. This follows extensive works in partnership with BCP Council to establish a safe queueing system to support social distancing for these passengers on the Sandbanks side in North Haven Car Park. BCP Council has provided financial support, facilitated by Department for Transport Emergency Active Travel Funding, for the cost of the queueing infrastructure. Extra Ferry Company staff will be on hand to marshal the queue. The Ferry Company has also implemented a queuing system to support social distancing on the Studland side.

Following the Government announcement on 4 June that face covering use on public transport will be mandatory, foot passengers and cyclists will be required to wear face coverings while on board the ferry. These passengers will need to supply their own face covering, and anyone not wearing a proper one will not be able to travel. Motorcyclists will be required to keep their helmet on while on board, and vehicle passengers will not be allowed to leave their vehicles or open windows while on the ferry, and convertible cars must travel with their roofs up.

Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “We would like to thank BCP Council for their assistance in ensuring we can welcome back foot passengers and cyclists. While I know the service suspension has been difficult for many, we want to reassure passengers and our staff that they can again travel and work on the ferry safely.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and infrastructure said: “We are pleased to have assisted the Sandbanks Ferry Company with measures to allow pedestrian and cycle passengers to queue safely on the Sandbanks side. Ensuring provision is made for sustainable and healthy travel modes, meets key council key aims tackling congestion and climate issues and ensures all passengers are served.”