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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…
Why do we sometimes let vehicles out of lanes to queue by slipways before a ferry has arrived?
We aim to avoid this practice where reasonably possible, but there are occasions where high demand may impact on the wider road network and therefore, we proactively try to avoid…
Delays – Why do you say that there are no delays when I’m sitting in the lanes waiting for a ferry and there are none on the slipway?
We use similar terminology to any other public transport network. If you arrive before the scheduled departure time for a train or a bus and have to wait to be…
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…
Who gets priority loading on to ferries?
We operate some priority arrangements for certain vehicles, falling into two categories. A higher level of priority is given to emergency service vehicles and in-service public transport buses. We aim…
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…
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…
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…
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…