CARS have been scraped by a new £3.2m floating bridge on its first weekend in service.

In its first two days of service, the new multi-million pound floating bridge on the Isle of Wight was plagued with problems.

Cars were damaged as they disembarked at East Cowes on Saturday, and today it broke down leaving passengers stranded.

The new “floating bridge” ferry, was put in place after the old one, which had 40 years worth of crossings between Cowes and East Cowes, was retired in January.

East Cowes ward councillor Karl Love said that car owners are set to make claims against the council after their cars were damaged.

Cllr Love posted on Facebook: “I'm very concerned at what looked like a disasters in the miscalculation of the road angles which are damaging low level cars and long based vehicles. They scrape the ground as they load and unload from East Cowes!

“I understand several car owners are already planning to make claims against the council for damage, meanwhile cars continue to be loaded on board.

“If you have a low sports car I would suggest you consider to drive around at this time.

“These are some of the other safety issues I pictured too! It's a catalogue of risks. Protruding bolts on the shelter footing causing trip points. Glass without any safety harm prevention massages printed on them as people may walk straight into them?

“One might ask to see the risk assessment and Safety certificate issued for all the structures and vessel before it entered service today?”

One driver posted on Facebook: “Yeah Im putting a claim in for damages. Utterly ridiculous.”

The Isle of Wight council posted an announcement about the new bridge coming into service, and said this is the period “final teething” problems or “minor issues” can be dealt with.

They also said that there has been a period of relevant tests, commissioning and staff training.

The release said: “The new floating bridge between Cowes and East Cowes is due to start service this Saturday (13 May) at 2pm, following sign-off by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

This has followed a period of relevant tests, commissioning and staff training. However, the real test will begin as she welcomes visitors aboard on the weekend.

“This is an important stage as the next two to three weeks is where any final teething problems or minor issues whilst it is being used can then be dealt with prior to the official launch of the service, which will follow during June.”

The new floating bridge is 37m long and is capable of reaching up to 5 knots. She was built by Welsh firm Mainstay Marine Solutions Limited.