Hayling’s 3 Minute Ferry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdzQqeuYwQc

The Hayling Ferry is an important transport link between Portsmouth and Hayling Island in Hampshire, England. Learn about its challenges and significance in this captivating journey with James Dunlop MBE.

This a great documentary, outlining the details of the ferry’s 200 year history and the challenges it faces today

“There has been a ferry in operation between Ferry Point Hayling Island and Eastney Point Portsmouth, for at least 200 years.  Rights to run a ferry belonged to the Lord of the Manor of Hayling Island, the Dukes of Norfolk.

Rowing boats were used until 1901 when the the ferry rights were bought by the Hayling Island Steam Ferry Company, who constructed pontoons, made up the road on the Hayling side, and acquired a small steamer. The service was soon abandoned though due to the unsuitability of the steamer. “

https://www.haylingferrytrust.org/the-hayling-ferry

Over the years, the ferry has evolved, adapting to the changing times and technologies; and is now operated by Baker Trayte Marine Ltd, who have been providing a scheduled public route between Hayling Island and Portsmouth since 2016, when the previous operator went into administration.

In 2018, (widely reported at the time), in order to support the ferry service Langstone Harbour Board agreed to reduce its passenger fees by more than 50% as a temporary measure https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-45458454.amp

At the request of the Ferry, this support was extended for an additional two years, spanning the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.  Regrettably, the Board was unable to continue to offer this support beyond April 2022, and passenger fees were restored to the original 2018 level; it has, however, consistently remained open to working with the ferry operator, emphasising data transparency and financial prudence, in order to sustain an affordable service for Hayling Island and Portsmouth residents, we are currently working together to find a solution that is fair, sustainable, and beneficial for the community as a whole.

“The Langstone Harbour Board has a fundamental duty to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders by maintaining the harbour to benefit all users, alongside actively seeking ways to minimise its dependence on public funding. While working with the Hayling Ferry to ensure the continuity of this vital service, Langstone Harbour, in its capacity as a statutory harbour authority, is duty bound to prioritise financial responsibility. and uphold its obligation to maintain a secure and navigable harbour, ensuring the security and satisfaction of all stakeholders. These conscientious efforts are integral to the Board’s commitment to effectively fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.”

Author’s note, I pulled together this post as whilst I was on holiday, I picked up on social media that the future of Hayling Ferry was thought by some to be in doubt, as well as talk of the passenger fee being increased by 366%. I think that the fact that the passenger fee was subsidised for a few years had been lost in the sands of time