FAQs

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 section for full details). There are also a limited number…

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 B, etc. There are a number of key considerations that…

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 for their communities. This helps to reduce road traffic congestion…

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 unreasonable congestion on approach roads.

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 boarded before the scheduled departure, your journey would not be…

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…

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 to get these vehicles loaded and unloaded as quickly as…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are funded entirely from the tolls paid by people using the crossings on a “user pays” principle. The crossings do not receive any financial support from either the Government or the parent authorities –…