Wightlink warning for Ryde Pier speeders

People caught speeding on the Isle of Wight's Ryde Pier could be banned from using Wightlink ferries, after speed cameras were installed on the Grade II-listed structure.

The pier, which reopened in March after an eight-month series of repairs, has had a speed limit of 10mph that authorities say is too often ignored by motorists, the Isle of Wight County Press reports.

As part of the £5 million renovation programme, the steel girders and wooden planks were removed and replaced along the length of the pier, before it was reopened with a new £1 vehicle toll.

The second phase of work, which involves modifications to the concrete west end of the pier, is nearing completion.

So far, 464 drivers have been issued with final notices since the speed limit was introduced, and they have been warned that they could lose the right to use Wightlink ferries if they do not obey the law.

"It is a Victorian promenade pier. It has been strengthened but the damage is done by cars and so we have to make sure the 10mph limit is adhered to," Wightlink marketing manager Kerry Jackson told the newspaper.

"We will ban drivers from all Wightlink property if they continue to speed. That will be from car ferries and ticket offices and terminals. We take this issue very seriously."

She went on to say that the speed limit is necessary to protect pedestrians using the walkway, as well as to prevent damage to the pier.

Wightlink recently announced that it has taken the "reluctant" decision to withdraw Christmas ferry crossings on the Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Fishbourne routes, saying Christmas Day sailings have become "increasingly problematic" in recent years.

"In order to ensure that they can get to and from the Isle of Wight during the Christmas holiday period, we strongly advise customers to book their crossings early this year," said the company.

Posted by Andrew Smith

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