Members of the Isle of Wight Executive will be asked at their meeting on 7th July to “agree to undertake a consultation exercise on the possible introduction of passenger charges for the use of Cowes floating bridge”.
Papers released today for the meeting set out the purpose of the six week consultation, which it says will “help to inform any future debate by the council about this opportunity to raise additional income in order to fund a replacement bridge and or strengthen the council’s financial position”.
Free since 1992
The report reminds us that crossings for foot passengers and cyclists have been free on the floating bridge since 1992.
Cars currently pay £2.20 each way; Motorbikes £1.30; Vans £3 and Lorries £7.60.
OnTheWight reported in January 2014 that the council were considering introducing fares for foot passengers. A decision on the introduction fares for foot passengers was deferred by council members at the budget setting meeting in February 2014 for at least one year.
Could new bridge be funded by Solent LEP?
The 38 year old floating bridge is now coming to the end of its life and the council say a new bridge could cost £3-4m.
As reported in April this year, there is a possibility a replacement floating bridge could be funded through the Solent LEP.
The council’s Solent Strategic Economic Plan was submitted to Government on 31st March 2014 and included a funding bid for a new floating bridge as part of changes to the highways infrastructure when Red Funnel ferry terminals on both sides of the Solent move.
Offset by council tax rise?
Earlier in the year, just prior to the budget setting meeting, Labour councillor Geoff Lumley stated that a 1.99% increase in council tax could have avoided the need to introduce fares for foot passengers on the floating bridge.
As readers will know, the council did go ahead and increase the council tax by 1.99%.
The report
The full report is embedded below.
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Image: © Allan Marsh
