Plymouth Boat Trips announces new rules as Cremyll Ferry resumes service
Jun. 2020
Plymouth Boat Trips has announced that the much loved Cremyll Ferry service, connecting Plymouth and South East Cornwall will resume on Tuesday 16th June 2020. A reduced timetable and passenger capacity are among new rules in place, as Coronavirus lockdown measures are gradually eased by government.
The ferry, that has been in existence since the 11th Century and provides an important commuter connection and gateway to the Rame Peninsula, was suspended in March, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister announced lockdown measures on 23rd March and a decision was taken by Plymouth Boat Trips’ management team to stop services and help reduce the spread of the virus.
Plymouth Boat Trips will be allocating one of its largest vessels, Plymouth Sound to the service to allow adequate social distancing on board. However, the Edgcumbe Belle will run when tides don’t allow the Plymouth Sound to dock at Admirals Hard. Contactless payment is encouraged as is the purchase of return tickets, to reduce contact between staff and passengers.
Passengers will be advised that face coverings will be mandatory, and a one-way system will operate throughout the ferry. Additional safety measures, as the ferry comes back into action, include the availability of hand sanitizer for passengers on boarding and regular cleaning between trips. Social distancing signage will be displayed, and queues managed to ensure boarding and alighting passengers do not interact.
Passengers are reminded that while the park at Mount Edgcumbe is open, all facilities and the house remain closed. There are a limited number of public toilets available at Cremyll and there is just one toilet at Admirals Hard (Cremyll Street), which is only for people with a radar key.
Owner, Ben Squire said: ‘We surveyed customers to gather feedback and the resounding response towards us restarting the Cremyll Ferry has been very positive. We have worked closely with Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council to reintroduce the service and we’re taking every precaution to ensure that our staff and customers are safe.”
For further information, images, or interviews, please contact:
Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips Marketing & PR Department.