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 slipways with a green traffic light. As a result, motorcyclists and cyclists are loaded on to the ferry as a group and while all other vehicles are stopped at red traffic lights. This system is implemented to ensure there is a safe and coordinated loading process and ensure the right type of vehicles are loaded to the appropriately allocated stowage position onboard the ferries. In the case of motorcyclists and cyclists Lane F is designated underneath the canopy for comfort and safety.

During periods of high demand and, on occasions where there may be minimal motorcycle or cycle traffic, a decision is sometimes taken to part fill Lane F with other vehicles to maximise stowage capacity. This decision is based on the volume of motorcyclists and cyclists waiting in the queuing lane at the time. In every case a decision is made to balance demand against motorcyclists’ and cyclists’ safety and comfort.

Lane F cyclists and motorcyclists on the ferries are unloaded as a priority group from the ferries to clear the slipways and marshalling areas before disembarking the heavy flow of other vehicles.