Prices to increase on Lower Ferry for the first time in two years

South Hams District Council are increasing the price of tickets to cross the River Dart on the Lower Ferry for the first time in two years. 

Crossing over the River Dart by Dartmouth Lower Ferry is "still the most beautiful way to travel" according to a SHDC spokesperson, but from next month it will increase by 50p per journey for cars and motorbikes.

For the first time in two years, South Hams District Council will change its ferry fees "to cover the cost of fuel increases and ongoing maintenance costs". The changes in fees will apply from Thursday, 1 April.

However, the council are quick to "reassure" residents and businesses, that the rise has been kept "as low as possible to help recovery following the Covid pandemic", and travel by the Lower Ferry is "still the cheapest option to cross the river with a vehicle".

See the current and updated prices in this table:

The increase includes 50p per journey for cars and motorcycles, with a £2 increase for light goods and commercial vehicles, rises that SHDC says is "still competitively priced". For frequent travellers across the river, there are always options to buy the multi-trip tickets in packs of 10, 20 and 40, which give greater discounts. Business fleet tags are still on offer too.

A spokesperson from South Hams District Council, said: “We haven’t had an increase for two years and we’re really pleased with that. This increase is as low as we can absolutely make it, while covering fuel increases and maintenance costs, because we know that it’s been a really horribly tough year for everyone and we really don’t want to make it any harder.

“Like everyone else, we’ve had a difficult year too, but we’re here to provide a valuable service to our community and to our visitors and we’re dedicated to doing just that.”

To find out more about the Lower Ferry and its timetable, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouthlowerferry

Main image: Herbythyme - wikimedia creative commons