A PUBLIC inquiry will decide on proposals to increase toll charges on the Sandbanks to Studland chain ferry.

The one-way fee for cars could rise from £2.20 to £2.60 and trucks from £4.40 to £5.20.

No increases are being proposed by the ferry company for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, buses and coaches.

A Department of Transport inspector will hear arguments for and against the rises at a public inquiry at Studland village hall on February 24.

The last increase took place in 1997 and the ferry company argues it needs more income to keep up with rising costs.

The current chain ferry reached its 10th anniversary on January 26, and ferry bosses are looking to the future when a new replacement ferry will be needed in the year 2017.

Nick Gosney, the ferry company's operations director, said: "We have to look at what is happening now and plan for the future and we do need more money to maintain services.

"For a small company the costs are very expensive and we do need to plan ahead - the company does not receive any grants or subsidies, it has to stand totally on its own."

The company was originally set up by an Act of Parliament in 1923 and began services in 1926. Its charges have to be agreed and set by the government minister for transport.

Mr Gosney said: "It is the company itself requesting a public inquiry as it gives everyone a chance to have their say - any increase in tolls is always controversial."

Copies of the proposed revision of toll charges can be seen at the ferry office, Shell Bay, at Swanage library and Canford Cliffs library.

A new ferry with hydraulic drive system at today's prices will cost £3.72 million but if company bosses opt for diesel-electric drive the price is £4.5 million - though both figures are expected to rise considerably by the year 2017 when a replacement ferry will be needed.