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Title: The other 'ferry' across the Severn Estuary. Post by: JayMac on August 23, 2019, 22:46:00 The link below (may require a Facebook login) is to a BBC Wales news report from this day, 23rd August 1966, about the imminent cessation of the lesser known way to take your car across the Severn Estuary, prior to the opening of the Severn Bridge.
The Aust Ferry is the more well known pre-road bridge service. That sailed across the estuary from Aust to Beachley. The alternative, and considerably more expensive at the time, was the Severn Tunnel car ferry service operated by British Railways (it began under GWR in the 1920s). This ran between Pilning and Severn Tunnel Junction, with motorists driving on and off flat bed rail wagons for the 5 mile trip under the estuary. A sort of very short distance Motorail service. Prior to the service ceasing the fare for a car one way was 27/6, plus 2/- per person. 27/6 would be around £26 today. A return for a car was 42/6. That's about £40 today. The bridge when it opened was 5/- for a car for a return crossing. £4.75 in today's money. Of course the bridge crossings are now free. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=866748903698141&id=100865096953196 Title: Re: The other 'ferry' across the Severn Estuary. Post by: Western Pathfinder on August 23, 2019, 23:32:56 Thankyou for that BNM it's good to see what Pilning used to look like even got a shot of the Signal Box and the much lamented Footbridge.
Title: Re: The other 'ferry' across the Severn Estuary. Post by: Robin Summerhill on August 24, 2019, 00:44:32 See my Flickr upload on the subject:
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