This just in from WightLink. Ed
Wightlink regrettably has had no option but to close the Pier for vehicles between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head with immediate effect. The last vehicle access to the Pier Head will be for the 0045 hours sailing on Wednesday 4 August.
A routine maintenance inspection on the pier has been undertaken and Wightlink have been advised that remedial works are required to be undertaken; the company is currently awaiting the schedule of these works.
Until these works have been completed Wightlink have been advised to restrict access to pedestrians only until further notice – no vehicle access including taxis and Motorcycles will be permitted, cyclist must also dismount their bicycles.
Customers who have parked at Ryde Pier will be granted permission to access the Pier Head to remove their vehicles.
Car park season ticket holders recommended to use Fishbourne
Wightlink Car Park Season ticket holders will be permitted to park at Fishbourne and use the Fishbourne-Portsmouth Gunwharf Car Ferry Service. Wightlink has also agreed with the IOW Council that these permit holders are also permitted to park in Quay Street and St Thomas’ Street council car parks in Ryde up until (and including) Monday 9 16 August – this permit must be clearly displayed at all times.
UPDATE 15:53 6.Aug.10: Permits have now been extended to 16 August.
Free travel on train between Esplanade and Pier Head for ticket holders
Island Line will accept Wightlink Tickets from customers travelling to/from Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade/ Ryde St Johns station, at no charge. Normal Island Line Timetables will continue to operate, however four carriages will be in use rather than two.
Would all passengers please ensure that adequate time is given to arrive at Ryde Pier Head before their required sailing times.
Further updates will follow in due course
Wightlink would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Image: Secret Pilgrim under CC BY-SA 2.0
