Slipway repairs delay car ferries

Contractors had hoped to finish the work by the end of the year

Angry motorists using a ferry between Devon and Cornwall are being delayed by slipway refurbishments.

Two new ferries have been brought in to replace three older, smaller vessels at Torpoint near Plymouth. A third is still due to go into service.

But the slipways have also needed an overhaul and work on them has meant only one vessel operating at times.

Managers said the situation should improve from next week after work is carried out on slipway barriers.

'Prevailing winds'

During recent spring tides and strong winds, the service was at times reduced to just one ferry. A tug was also brought in to prevent ferries colliding with the temporary concrete barriers, known as cofferdams, near the slipways.

Some drivers said they were avoiding the ferry altogether and taking the longer route via the Tamar Bridge between Plymouth and Saltash.

Now the ferry bosses are planning to alter the work on the slipway in a bid to reduce the delays by next week.

Torpoint Ferry manager David List said: "We are hoping the contractor can modify the cofferdams over the weekend to reduce the size of them so that they have less effect on the southern ferry when we get any prevailing south-westerly winds."

However, some delays will be inevitable until all the slipway work is complete by the end of January and the third new ferry comes into service.

A chain ferry has operated between Plymouth and Torpoint since 1832.