28/05/2026
IMPORTANT UPDATE: how you pay your Sandbanks Ferry vehicle toll is changing from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system will be in place for all vehicle crossings on The Sandbanks Ferry.
From this date, vehicle crossing payments in person by card, paper ticket, or by Sandbanks Ferry Toll Card (SFTC) will no longer be possible. All vehicle (including motorcycle) toll payments will move online.
This change means no stopping, no queuing to pay, and no barriers. ANPR cameras will automatically read your number plates at Shell Bay. 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.
Earlier this year we moved to a fully cashless system, and we're grateful for your patience and support during that transition. 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. Our current tolling provider is also withdrawing service at the end of June 2026, making this the right moment to make the next step in our digital transformation.
How to pay for vehicle crossings from 1 July 2026
Visit SandbanksFerry.co.uk /Pay and choose the option that suits you:
1️⃣Pay as you go. No account needed. Pay for your crossing, any time up to 30 days before travelling or up to midnight the following day after your journey.
2️⃣Buy tokens in advance. Purchase return crossing tokens ahead of your trip. You don’t need to specify your date of travel, as tokens are valid for 30 days from purchase.
3️⃣Set up an account. The easiest option for regular users. Pre-load your account with tokens, and your toll is deducted automatically every time you cross. You'll be notified by email when your balance gets to two tokens.
Step-by-step guidance on paying and setting up an account will be provided prior to 1st July.
Got an existing Sandbanks Ferry Toll Card or paper tickets?
If you hold an SFTC, please be aware that your account will stop working at 11:15pm on 30th June 2026 and any remaining Passes must be transferred to a new ANPR account before they expire.
It is a quick and simple process: you’ll need to create a new ANPR account at SandbanksFerry.co.uk /Pay once the system is live. 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.
If you have paper tickets, these will no longer be accepted on crossings from 1 July 2026, but you can bring them into the Ferry Office and exchange them for Tokens that will be loaded to an ANPR account at any time until 31 March 2027. Our team will be on hand and happy to help guide you through the process.
This change to payment by ANPR applies to vehicle (including motorcycles) crossings only. Pedestrians and cyclists are not affected and will continue to pay for crossings by cashless payment as usual.
We are proud to serve the community, and making sure every passenger feels looked after through this change matters to us. Our team will be available on board and in the Ferry Office to answer any questions or concerns you may have, so please do not hesitate to come and talk to us.
