Wightlink have been in touch to let us know about the current situation regarding restricted vehicular access to Ryde Pier.
Readers will remember that following a routine maintenance inspection at the beginning of the month, the pier was closed to vehicles with immediate effect.
Closure length unknown
Estimates of how long the pier will be closed have ranged from weeks to months on the Island rumour mill, but at present, Wightlink are unable to confirm just how long the pier will be closed to vehicles.
The company tell us that they’re currently waiting on several factors.
They’ve not yet received a full schedule of these works required and are also waiting on planning approval, including proposals from English Heritage and the Island Conservation Planning Authority as well as funding approval.
They tell us that they’re hoping to receive the consents within the next 7-10 working days.
Restrictions still in place
Until the necessary works have been completed, the pier will continue to be restricted to pedestrian access only.
If you’re on a bike, you’ll need to dismount, and the vehicle access also relates to taxis, motorcycles and mobility scooters.
Car park season ticket holders
If you happen to be Wightlink Car Park Season ticket holder, you’re be allowed to park at Fishbourne and use the Fishbourne-Portsmouth Gunwharf Car Ferry Service.
If you don’t fancy the extra time on your journey, you can opt to park in the Quay Road and St Thomas’ Street council car parks in Ryde until expiry of your current permit – which must be clearly displayed at all times. It won’t be valid for other council car parks.
Free travel on Island Line up the pier
All Wightlink customers travelling to/from Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade, do so at no extra charge (when journeys originate at Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier Head or terminate at Ryde Esplanade from Ryde Pier Head).
Finally, if you’ve got a Season & Multilink ticket holders are permitted to travel between Ryde St Johns and Ryde Pier Head at no extra cost and will be permitted to park at Ryde St Johns when displaying their car park permit – subject to availability.
We’ll let you know when we hear more.
Image: Secret Pilgrim under CC BY-SA 2.0
