Starting Thursday 5 November, the ferry will run every 20 minutes starting at 7am from Sandbanks, with the last daily ferry crossing leaving Sandbanks at 9pm.

All classes of passengers will continue to be able to use the ferry to travel to and from Purbeck.

Managing director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, Mike Kean, said, “We know that local residents will still rely on the ferry to travel to work, university or local hospitals during lockdown, and so we are pleased to be able to make a commitment to them during this challenging second lockdown.

“The ferry is also a great way for local residents to visit the beautiful landscapes we enjoy in Studland, Swanage and Sandbanks for their daily exercise, and we hope they will take advantage of this during lockdown.”

Safety measures will remain in place on board the ferry to protect passengers and staff, including:

• Passengers are asked to pay by card if they can. Cash is accepted if they have no alternative means of payment
• All cyclists and foot passengers aged 11 and over must wear face coverings while queuing and on board, completely covering the nose and mouth, unless a medical exemption is in place
• Motorcyclists should keep helmets on during queuing and for the duration of the journey
• Cyclists and foot passengers must remain in the marked-out social distancing boxes while on board, unless guided otherwise by staff
• Vehicle passengers should remain in their vehicle while on board the ferry, with windows closed. If necessary, the driver’s side windows may be lowered for ventilation
• Convertible vehicles must travel with roofs up and windows closed, with driver’s side window open for ventilation if required

For more information, visit www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/timetable.php. Updates on any daily changes to the service or timetable can also be found at @sandbanksferry on Twitter and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sandbanksferry.