THREE new super-ferries, which will be 50% larger again than the current vessels, are to be ordered to improve the service between Torpoint and Plymouth.
The new ferries, which have been agreed upon by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferries joint committee, will be able to carry 73 cars - 23 more than at present. They will also be capable of carrying lorries up to 44 tonnes, which is much greater than the current lorry weight limit of 17 tonnes. However, a decision has not yet been made by the joint committee over whether the huge lorries will be allowed to use the ferries.
In service for 2004
It is hoped the three new vessels, which will cost around £9.9 million, will be ready for service by 2004. The joint committee may not, though, buy the vessels outright, but could lease them over 20 years at about £1 million a year. They will be able to carry low-rider buses, and will be better to manoeuvre.
The choice of 73 vehicle ferries was one of three options - the others being 60 or 85 car vessels. The decision follows consultation with the public which included leaflets and questionnaires, and the hiring of consultants to carry out an environmental impact assessment. More people wanted 73 vehicle ferries than the other two options, and the majority did not want them to carry vehicles over l7 tonnes, because of the impact on the roads and lanes leading to Torpoint.
The decision was greeted warmly both sides of the river, with most acknowledging that the larger ferries will cut waiting times, and on queuing.