The Secretary of State for Transport has announced he has approved the statutory application made by the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company to increase its fares, following Paul Reynolds’ successful representation of the company at a public inquiry in January 2021.
The Transport Secretary had previously refused the company’s previous application following an inquiry in 2018 (with which Paul had no involvement). As a result of the successful application, the Company is able to build up a reserve fund to enable it to purchase a replacement ferry in the future and ensure the long-term future of the service. A public inquiry was required as set out in the terms of the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Acts 1923-1986, as the ferry company was incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1923.
Following the Transport Secretary’s decision, a statutory instrument will be brought into force to make the relevant amendments to the ferry tolls.
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