An additional late crossing of the Cowes to East Cowes Floating Bridge is being trialled in the Isle of Wight until August.

The aim is to provide better accessibility for Red Funnel ferry passengers travelling on the 11.59pm vehicle ferry service from Southampton to East Cowes.

From today (Thursday), the chain ferry is making a single crossing, from East Cowes to Cowes, at 1.20am, shortly after the arrival of the Red Funnel vehicle ferry, at around 1am.

Normally, the Floating Bridge's final run is at 12.30am.

Without it, passengers trying to get to Cowes and the east of the Island have previously had to arrange longer journeys and onward transport from East Cowes. 

Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure said: "Last year we carried out a survey of Saver Card holders who are regular users of the service.

"One of the suggestions made to us was for a late-night link up to meet the last car ferry of the day from Southampton.

"The council wanted to respond to this idea in a positive way and believes it is important to improve transport connections on the Island when we can, hence the introduction of this trial until the end of August."

However, there will be no late night connection if the Floating Bridge breaks down and has to be replaced by a passenger launch.

The Isle of Wight Council told the County Press the alternative launch service ends at 11pm and would not fill in for the extra sailing.

Meanwhile, East Cowes residents hoping to return after a night out in Cowes will be out of luck.  There will be no return sailing across the Medina.