One of the three Torpoint ferries has been taken out of service for a refit which is due to last around five weeks, sparking fears that more traffic problems on the Tamar Bridge will be one of the consequences.
The ferry 'Lynher' was taken out of service on May 2 in preparation for its three-year refit, which has led to commuters waiting longer to catch a ferry.
The normal ten minute wait has now risen to 15 minutes, and the travelling public have been advised to take the reduced service into account when planning journeys. Instead of carrying 300 cars an hour in each direction, the ferries will be taking 200.
Manager of the bridge and ferries, David List, said that no lanes will be closed for work on the Tamar Bridge at peak times during the re-fit, these being the times when commuters put most pressure on the bridge – currently undergoing its own extensive works.
Mr List said local commuters do adjust the times of their journeys to allow for delays, but initially queues are expected at the ferry terminals at times.
Inconvenience
He stressed: 'Any inconvenience caused during this period is regretted.'
The refit is to be carried out by A and P (Falmouth) Ltd at a cost of £250,000. The 39-year-old vessel, which has been 'stretched' in the past, will be painted and will undergo mechanical and structural maintenance.
The Lynher was due to begin a 12 hour tow to Falmouth following two days of preparation.
Mr List said it was hoped to have her back in service by Whitsun.
He explained: 'We have to do the refits at this time of year because we need good weather for some aspects of the work, including towage and painting.
'Keeping a spare ferry ready for just one month a year would be prohibitively expensive.'
The ferry departures on the Torpoint side until Lynher's return will be as follows: Monday-Friday; At 6.30am and then every l5 minutes until 9.30pm. From 9.30pm until 6.30am every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. Saturday-Sunday; At 7am and then every 15 minutes until 9.30pm. From 9.30pm until 7am every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.
Devonport departures: Monday-Friday; At 6.45am and then every 15 minutes until 9.30pm. From 9.45pm until 6.45am every 30 minutes and quarter past and quarter to the hour. Saturday-Sunday; At 7.15am and then every 15 minutes until 9.30pm. From 9.45pm until 7.15am every 30 minutes at quarter past and quarter to the hour.