Hampshire Now - your County Council magazine

County support for Hayling ferry infrastructure

Thursday, 14 June 2012

An increase in the funding contribution, to enable the Hayling Ferry service to continue running safely, has been agreed by Hampshire County Council.

An engineering report, commissioned by Langstone Harbour Board, has concluded that the landing stages for the ferry, on either side of the harbour, need extensive repairs at an estimated total cost of £218,000.

Support increased by £25,000

The County Council currently provides over £17,500 to support Hayling Ferry Ltd's payments to the Board to cover maintenance and repairs of the landing stages at Hayling Island and Eastney Point. It was agreed this payment is increased by £25,000 for 2012/13 so that the ferry service can continue.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said:

"The ferry provides a valuable public transport service locally. The ferry reduces the need for travel by road and, given that a large number of passengers in the summer are travelling for leisure reasons, there are significant benefits for the local economy.

"I have agreed to increase the level of payment for this financial year and we will review the need for any future payments in 12 months time. Any further payments may be adjusted in response to progress with upgrading the landing facilities and any changes in the Ferry or Harbour Board's financial situation."

This funding is in addition to the annual subsidy paid to Hayling Ferry of more than £51,000 per annum, of which 66 per cent is paid by the County Council and the remainder by Portsmouth City Council.

Hampshire County Council financially supports the Hayling and Hythe ferries in partnership with Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils respectively. This enables the services to operate throughout the year and in the evenings - times when fare revenue is at its lowest.

The County Council has also provided grants towards vessels and for pontoon facilities at some of the ferry terminals.

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