FAQs: Torpoint Ferry
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E-scooters on the Torpoint Ferry
Tamar Crossings’ primary responsibility is the safe operation of the Torpoint Ferry and the areas under our control. We are not a police or enforcement authority, and our staff do not have powers to determine whether an individual e-scooter is…
Are there toilet facilities on the ferry?
Tamar Crossings is a local government transport service, with our primary responsibility being to provide a safe and reliable crossing between Devon and Cornwall. Public toilet facilities are not a core or legal requirement of the ferry service itself. However,…
Can I take my bicycle into the passenger area?
All bicycles that are large enough to be used as regular road or cycle path vehicles must be loaded into the ferry canopy lane (Lane F) – they are not permitted in the foot passenger areas. This is because our…
Can I use my phone while on the ferry?
Mobile phone use is prohibited while you are in control of a moving vehicle, including when driving on and off the ferry. It is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving, and you may be prosecuted if you do…
Why don’t you use the third Ferry when you are running a two-ferry service and there are problems or queues?
We recognise that queues and delays are very frustrating for customers and we always consider resourcing and other options to minimise disruption. Unfortunately, while it would be great to be able to bring the third ferry into service at a…
How do you schedule planned and major maintenance?
Whilst most planned maintenance can be achieved without disrupting the ferry service there are certain lengthy and complex tasks such as a chain change, that due to time, resourcing and environmental constraints can only be completed by taking a ferry…
Essential maintenance – what does it mean?
You will often see a social media message saying a ferry has been delayed for “essential maintenance”. The ferries are complex machines and require regular or planned maintenance, to keep the machinery operating correctly, an example being an oil change…
Why don’t you go at top speed?
The timetable has not been designed to accommodate the fastest possible crossing, but to ensure that we are delivering a safe, reliable and resilient service. Crossing at maximum speed causes disproportionate wear and tear on a lot of the drive…
When an Ambulance arrives and is flashing its blue lights, why do you still load other vehicles?
We have a very close working relationship with the emergency services.We encourage drivers to start their engines and be prepared to move when they see an emergency vehicle en-route to board the ferry. The ferry crew are still instructed to…
When I’m coming from Tamar street and dropping someone off on the Torpoint side, why am I sometimes kept waiting at the traffic lights?
Since the Torpoint Ferry traffic light gantry refurbishment in 2024, Tamar Crossings staff no longer have the facility to control the traffic lights on the Tamar Street approach to Ferry Road. Any concerns or faults with these lights should be…
Why do you wait off the slipways rather than continue to load when there are shipping movements?
We work closely with the King’s Harbour Master’s staff, and they try to wait as long as possible before instructing ferries to hold their position on either side of the river. There are however isolated occasions where we have started…
What are shipping movements?
Shipping movements are co-ordinated and authorised on behalf of the King’s Harbour Master and involve the movement of large vessels, most predominantly national and international naval and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, transiting the Tamar River to and from moorings or…