A38 Saltash cameras backed but speed limit branded ‘ridiculously slow’
New average speed cameras are expected to go live either side of the Saltash Tunnel sometime next month. Readers have been showing their support for the scheme in our comments sections[1] - but the 30mph speed limit has been called "ridiculously slow".
The cameras are part of a range of measures[2] which also include improved signage and road layouts, new lighting, and changes to speed limits - including the speed limit lowered from 70mph to 50mph from the Tunnel to the Carkeel roundabout and average speed cameras being installed to enforce the 30mph limit through the tunnel and on the B3271 and North Road diversion routes.
Action was prompted by higher than national average of collisions between the Trerulefoot and Carkeel roundabouts. Julian Mitchell, National Highways’ tunnel manager, previously told CornwallLive[3]: "The speed reduction measures are much needed and we see the scheme as part of the overall programme.
"This section of the A38[6] sees a number of minor collisions as motorists try to reduce speed quickly on the approach to the tunnel and the Carkeel roundabout, and we are aware of vehicles exceeding the speed limit along the B3271 North Road diversion route when we close the tunnel."
A spokesperson for National Highways said the speed limit was now "enforceable between the tunnel and Carkeel roundabout", and that "the cameras will be going in over the next two weeks and will be calibrated by the end of May to early June".
Commenter Rickyo isn't happy with the tunnel speed limit: "30 mph is ridiculously slow." User Oldgit52 replied: "30mph in a tunnel when you have a contra flow with changing priorities is hardly ridiculously slow. I have seen many times drivers not being aware the middle lane priority has changed and have seen a few near misses because of that.
"Imagine if those vehicles were going faster, presumably at speeds that you personally determine, even 30mph is a 60mph crash, that is why the limit was lowered from 50mph some time ago. That happening in a tunnel would be disastrous".
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Jeffstelling writes: "Keeping to the new 50mph limit possibly adds a max of 30 seconds to your journey, don't see a problem with that myself".
Bobbybiscuit says: "I personally think 50mph is much too low and should be 60mph. After all its a dual carriageway. Not heard of any accidents on that road for a long time (before the reduction) so I dont know what the safety concerns are."
Billwizz says: "The primary contributing factor to collisions on roads of this nature is the combination of excessive speed and appalling driving standards. Consequently, the proposed addition is both timely and necessary."
OverTheRiver agrees: "Absolutely. Far too many don't even consider the risk to others - and themselves - the diabolical standards of their driving. How on earth some pass their test is a mystery!"
On Facebook[8], Christopher Hicks commented: "The majority of accidents are between Trerulefoot roundabout and Carkeel roundabout, not in the actual tunnel where the new cameras are being switched on. Sounds like another money making scheme on top of the proposed toll increase."
Robert Clegg added: "But they do have the desired effect. I drove along the M4 today, round the M25 North and up the A12. From Reading, where the cameras and average speed detectors start in earnest nobody was speeding. A big change from a while ago."
Where would you like to see a similar batch of measures? Comment below[9], and join in on the conversation.
References
- ^ our comments sections (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ The cameras are part of a range of measures (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ CornwallLive (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Locals say 'what's the problem?' over car park charge backlash (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Park and ride to get new electric buses but has no-one to run them (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ A38 (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Facebook (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Comment below (www.cornwalllive.com)