FAQs: Torpoint Ferry
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Why don’t the ferries run exactly to time every time?
We aim to run to a target of at least 99% of scheduled crossings in a 12-month period, but sometimes there are circumstances where this is not possible. On occasions…
Can I smoke or vape onboard the ferry?
Tamar Crossings operates a smoke-free and vape-free policy, prohibiting smoking and vaping in all areas on the ferries and within vehicles onboard. This is in keeping with policies found across…
What do we tweet and what don’t we tweet (or Facebook)
We are committed to keeping the public informed of relevant service-related information but also aim to avoid providing unnecessary minor details. There are no hard and fast rules, and judgement…
Why is the first vehicle on not the first one off ?
We load the ferries in the most efficient way possible to achieve the scheduled number of crossings per hour, carrying the maximum number of vehicles. We do not intentionally operate…
Why doesn’t someone ‘pull up’ all the vehicles so there are smaller gaps in between them, therefore making room for more vehicles?
Pulling up vehicles to the absolute minimum is labour intensive and will slow down the overall loading if extra crew are not available to complete the task. Also, the process…
Why do cycles and motorbikes get priority?
Motorcycles and cycles are not provided a priority loading status, but for their own safety and to optimise loading they need to be treated differently from cars and other bigger…
As a motorcyclist, do I have to use the priority lane when it is quiet?
To access the ferries during the Control Tower manned hours, motorcycles and bicycles must queue in lane 7 at Torpoint and lane 11 at Devonport and adhere to the traffic…
As a motorcyclist, if I arrive at the last minute can I still board the ferry?
All vehicles must arrive in the queueing lanes in time for the scheduled departure in order to be loaded on to that departure if space is available. In line with…
How are motorcycles and cycles loaded onto ferries
For safety and efficiency, motorcyclists and cyclists are held together in the Priority Lanes (Lane 11 Devonport or Lane 7 Torpoint), segregated from other vehicles and called forward to the…
What is the Priority Lane for?
As a matter of routine, the Priority Lane is restricted for use of blue light emergency vehicles, in-service buses (see separate section for full details), motorbikes and cycles (see separate…
Are there any reasons why some traffic lanes are not filled in a standard sequence?
We are often asked why we don’t complete the loading of lanes in sequenced order i.e., start loading at the front of lane A, fill it, then repeat in lane…
How are buses handled?
We are often asked about the rules for buses using the ferries. Both Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council are committed to providing a reliable and efficient public transport network…