| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Sandy Shortridge (757) 925-3627 Sandra.Shortridge@VirginiaDOT.org |
HRO-04-24 June 30, 2004 |
SECURITY SCREENING COMING TO JAMESTOWN-SCOTLAND FERRY Security guards to begin vehicle screening in July
SURRY New, increased security measures are coming to the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. Beginning July 1, security guards at the ferry will conduct random screening of passengers and their vehicles in an effort to prevent dangerous substances and devices from boarding the ferry. Commuters should prepare for a possible increase in the amount of time it takes to board the ferry once the screenings are in place; however, the ferries will depart on time according to schedule.
In accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, VDOT will post security guards at the base of the bridge on each side of the James River to screen those traveling the ferry. Screening activities will vary and can include checking picture IDs of the driver and passengers, and inspection of the vehicle, including under the hood, trunk and undercarriage. Guards may also check the cargo areas of cars, trucks, campers and trailers.
The frequency and depth of screening at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will change with the Maritime Security level, which is set by the United States Coast Guard. In order to board the ferry, drivers and passengers must consent to the screening process.
We are working in coordination with the Coast Guard to step up security at the ferry for the safety of our vessels and the traveling public, says Bill Mathus, facility manager at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. We will make every effort to expedite the screening process so motorists do not have a long wait to board the ferry; however, we must be thorough to ensure the safety of our passengers and boats.
Uniformed security guards will be posted on the Jamestown and Surry sides of the James River where the old tollbooths were located. Guards will randomly select vehicles for screening and those vehicles will be directed to pull off to the side to allow other commuters to proceed to the ferry line. VDOT will work to coordinate screening and the ferry departures to minimize the delay to screened vehicles.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
In accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, VDOT will post security guards at the base of the bridge on each side of the James River to screen those traveling the ferry. Screening activities will vary and can include checking picture IDs of the driver and passengers, and inspection of the vehicle, including under the hood, trunk and undercarriage. Guards may also check the cargo areas of cars, trucks, campers and trailers.
The frequency and depth of screening at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will change with the Maritime Security level, which is set by the United States Coast Guard. In order to board the ferry, drivers and passengers must consent to the screening process.
We are working in coordination with the Coast Guard to step up security at the ferry for the safety of our vessels and the traveling public, says Bill Mathus, facility manager at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. We will make every effort to expedite the screening process so motorists do not have a long wait to board the ferry; however, we must be thorough to ensure the safety of our passengers and boats.
Uniformed security guards will be posted on the Jamestown and Surry sides of the James River where the old tollbooths were located. Guards will randomly select vehicles for screening and those vehicles will be directed to pull off to the side to allow other commuters to proceed to the ferry line. VDOT will work to coordinate screening and the ferry departures to minimize the delay to screened vehicles.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: June 30, 2004
