Wightlink has introduced changes to the toll system on Ryde Pier from today (Wednesday).
Motorists are being advised that the pier toll will now be charged upon exit in a bid to improve traffic flow and avoid queues at the entrance.
Previously, traffic backed up onto the main carriageway as motorists stopped to pay the £1.30 toll before travelling onto the historic pier.
Those using Ryde Pier are now being told to have a debit/credit card or mobile device ready when leaving.
During the lockdown periods, when the Fastcat has not been running, the pier barriers have been raised allowing free access. However, the £1.30 charge has been re-introduced.
The toll has not increased in price and it still includes 30 minutes of free parking.
Wightlink’s Fastcat catamaran service between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Harbour remains suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wonder how much they will charge for pedestrians when the walkway is finished…
Would think all travel up and down pier would be free, due to the huge cost of the boat fare !
Disappointing from Wight Link , but don’t lose sight of the fact that the DFLs are also culpable as usual.
Honestly Island Echo… the toll has been £1.30 for over a year now so there is no increase in price!!
All of you commenting clearly do not drive up the pier or you would know this!
Stop the vendetta… some of appreciate the service as we work in Portsmouth!
No fixed link will ever replace the 20 minute journey
So if you don’t want to pay (like you always have had to do) WALK or use the train!!
Where does it say in our article that there is a price increase?
You make sound like there is a new charge though. Selective reporting
no you did not always have to pay…years ago, I used to drive up that pier, park up, go to work, arrive back from pompey in the afternoon, get in the car and drive home – no charges whatsoever.
what train would that be – as there arent any for three months now.
Excuse me 20 min… you need a new watch.. from getting on to getting off it takes easily 30 min.. the ferry takes 23 to 25 min depending on weather and tides, sometimes even longer… I do not know why they charge for the Pier, the ferry ticket prices are so high now they should include the pier..
But they could easily add 50p (each way) to tickets for those going just to Pier head, and naturally more if going onto train anywhere.. or do they already add extra to get to esplanade..? Why is it called the FAST CAT… should just be called Catamaran service.. Hovercraft quicker, don’t call it FasterHover… idiots..
Wait for it, next will be the introduction of ANPR cameras that will charge you from the minute you drive onto the pier to when you exit to rake in more money for our greedy council.
Get your facts right – the pier is owned by Wightlink not the council.
already have them..
Thats just for speeding at present but only a matter of time for them to tweek the system for parking with a new bit of software.
Why are they charging from today, when there isnt even a ferry service operating, seems odd, i suppose they will be charging soon for pedestrians walking up there
No mention of a cash option ?
Really, could you imagine the queues whilst someone or more is searching for correct change… will probably go back to cash also when it is raised to £1.50..