A consultation into the public subsidy of a ferry service linking Kent and Essex has started, amid fears it could be shelved.

Kent County Council and Thurrock Council have financially supported the Gravesend to Tilbury link since 2000. But financial pressures on both authorities have led them to review their spending.

The service, which runs six days a week between 5.40am and 7pm, carries out more than 100,000 passenger journeys a year.

As part of negotiations with the operator around a recent contract extension, Thurrock Council, which is in special financial measures, has advised KCC it has concerns about its ability to fund the service in the longer term. Currently, the subsidy is being funded exclusively by KCC.

Based on current costs, KCC’s budget allows for a subsidy of £55,000 per annum to support the ferry but without further external funding, and accounting for the likely cost of a new contract, KCC would likely have to allocate over £200,000 a year to sustain the service.

That, says the council, “would be an additional pressure to a fully allocated budget”.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Neil Baker, said: “The current contract for our subsidy is due to end in March 2024.

“No decisions have yet been taken so I would encourage anyone with a view to take part in our public consultation.”

The consultation runs until February 4. Click here to take part.

KCC confirmed earlier this month it was considering its financial commitment to the link.