Automatic number plate recognition cameras are to be installed at Shell Bay in Studland, Dorset, as payment for the Sandbanks Ferry moves completely online.
The toll booths at Shell Bay will no longer be manned from Wednesday 1st July 2026 once the new website-based system takes over payment duties from a dozen part time staff.
The Sandbanks Ferry is vital to Purbeck’s economy – but big changes are on the way
Paper tickets can be converted
In future, motorists leaving or arriving at Shell Bay will have their number plates recorded and then be expected to settle the payment online before midnight on the following day, with fines of nearly £30 on top of the crossing payment for those who don’t.
Tickets can be bought in advance, but will expire in 30 days if not used. However, those who have already bought paper tickets are able to convert them into electronic credits, which will last for up to two years.
Paper tickets themselves will no longer be accepted on crossings from 1st July 2026, but they can be taken to the Ferry Office in Studland and exchanged for tokens at any time until the end of March 2027.
Cash payments were stopped by the ferry company in April 2026 and cyclists and foot passengers are expected to pay by card while on the ferry.
Ferry prices, which rose on Wednesday 1st April 2026, will remain unchanged at £1.18 for pedestrians, bikes and motorbikes, £6.26 for cars and vans, and £12.52 for buses and coaches.
Paper tickets can be exchanged for electronic tokens at the Ferry Office in Studland
Bulk discounts still available
The Sandbanks Ferry Company, which announced the changes on Thursday 28th May 2026, said the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system would make the process of taking the ferry easier and help to reduce queues on Ferry Road, Studland.
They have promised that paper tickets can be converted to online credits with a two year lifespan, and that bulk discounts will still be available.
But local users have already complained in huge numbers, saying that it will discriminate against the elderly and those who are not tech savvy.
They also say that tourists who will not be aware of the charges may be caught out and are likely to pick up fines for not paying quickly enough.
Chair of the Sandbanks Ferry Company Mike Kean (left) says he recognises the critical role the ferry plays for Purbeck
“Fit for the future”
Mike Kean, chair of the Sandbanks Ferry, said:
“We recognise that the ferry plays a critical role in the local community and is essential for the local economy. We are investing to make sure this business is fit for the future, and part of that means upgrading our systems to meet modern standards.
“Our current tolling provider is withdrawing service at the end of June, so this was absolutely the right moment to move to a faster, more capable system.
“We also know that at peak times, there can be congestion with vehicles queuing to pay and we are confident that this free flowing traffic system will make a real and noticeable difference, getting people across the water faster and reducing pressure on local roads.
“We know there will be a settling in period and we want to make sure every passenger feels confident using the new system.
“Extra staff will be available on board and in the Ferry Office to help passengers through the change, and full step-by-step guidance is available on our website. Anyone with questions is very welcome to come and talk to us.”
Barriers will be taken down and replaced by ANPR cameras on Ferry Road, Studland
Barriers will be removed
The new system means that the barriers at the toll booths will be removed and there will be no need for vehicles to stop.
Ferry crossing payments in person by card, paper ticket, or by Sandbanks Ferry Toll Card (SFTC) will no longer be possible.
SFTC account holders will need to set up a new account before Wednesday 1st July 2026, as their passes will then expire.
Although tokens bought without an account will expire within 30 days, tokens bought through an account will be valid for two years, which the ferry company says is the same as current SFTC passes.
Ferry customers will eventually be able to set up new accounts via the Sandbanks Ferry website and although the system is not yet live, the company claims it will be a quick and simple process.
The ferry company says that its new system will reduce queues on Ferry Road
“Quicker and smoother for everyone”
A spokesperson for the ferry company said:
“The payment website will be live prior to 1st July 2026, allowing passengers to set up accounts and familiarise themselves with the system in advance. We will issue guidance on how to use the new system in due course.
“This change means no stopping, no queuing to pay, and no barriers. ANPR cameras will automatically read your number plates at Shell Bay and the cost of your crossing remains exactly the same.
“Payment is simple and done entirely online, either before you travel or by midnight on the day following your crossing.
“Removing the need to stop and pay at the toll booth will significantly reduce queuing on the Studland side during busy periods, making journeys quicker and smoother for everyone.
“We are committed to making sure the ferry’s systems are fit for the future and that every crossing is as smooth and efficient as possible.”
Cyclists and pedestrians will still have to pay by card while on the ferry
Redundancy programme
The company has been asked about the results of its recent redundancy programme, but has not yet responded.
It is understood that some of the part time employees will be kept on during summer 2026 to help answer questions on the ferries and sort out any problems that arise, but that the roles will then become redundant.
Questions have already been raised about data protection, the loss of jobs, internet vulnerability, the accuracy of number plate cameras and receipts for business users under the new system.
And South Western Ambulance Service drivers, who currently call the toll booths when they have a time critical crossing and ask the ferry to wait for them to arrive arrival, have asked what the new arrangement will mean for them.
Vehicle drivers will have three different options to pay under the new systems
How to pay for vehicle crossings
From Wednesday 1st July 2026 the ferry company says there will be three ways to pay.
- Pay as you go. No account needed, pay for a crossing any time up to 30 days before travelling or up to midnight the following day after a journey.
- Buy tokens in advance. Purchase return crossing tokens ahead of a trip. There is no need to specify a date of travel, as tokens are valid for 30 days from purchase.
- Set up an account, most suitable for regular users. Pre-load an account with tokens, and the toll is deducted automatically every time you cross. Drivers will be notified by email when their balance gets down to two tokens.
Will the ferry experience become smoother under the new system? Time will tell
Further information
- All details and account options will be on the Sandbanks Ferry website
