A38 Saltash Tunnel average speed cameras to go live soon
A notorious accident blackspot in Cornwall is set to have average speed cameras installed on either side, with the new measures expected to be operational by summer. This follows a public consultation two years ago.
National Highways had encouraged the public to participate in the consultation regarding potential safety improvements along the A38[1] in south east Cornwall[2]. It has resulted in the plan for the cameras at the A38 Saltash tunnel
At that time, the A38 Trerulefoot to Carkeel Safety Package was highlighted as one of several schemes being developed nationwide for consideration under the Government's third Road Investment Strategy. The A38 serves as a crucial route within the South West peninsula, connecting Bodmin[3] to the west and Plymouth[4] and Exeter to the east.
However, a higher than average number of collisions between the Trerulefoot and Carkeel roundabouts necessitated action to enhance safety along this section. Proposed measures included a combination of average speed cameras, improved road and junction layouts, upgraded bus bays, reduced speed limits, enhanced signage, lighting, and traffic signalling.
The public was invited to participate in the consultation and provide feedback on the proposals, which was then incorporated into the National Highway's report. In September 2023, it emerged disclosed that there would be closures on the A38 and a reduction in the speed limit as part of the upgrades to the Saltash Tunnel, reports Plymouth Live[7].
Get the best stories and latest news delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you want here.[8]
The speed limit from the Tunnel to the Carkeel roundabout has been reduced from 70mph to 50mph, with average speed cameras installed to enforce a 30mph limit through the tunnel and on the B3271 and North Road diversion routes. Julian Mitchell, National Highways' tunnel manager, said: "The speed reduction measures are much needed and we see the scheme as part of the overall programme.
"This section of the A38 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."
There have also been reports of vehicles exceeding the speed limit along the B3271 North Road diversion route when the tunnel is closed. Motorists have taken to social media to share posts about the installation of tall yellow poles, which will carry the average speed cameras, at both ends of the tunnel.
One driver noted that workers had "been out overnight and put up the average speed camera poles either side of the Saltash Tunnel. I'm guessing in the next few days they will put up the cameras and the mobile money maker vans will be lurking in the lay-by at the top towards roundabout or on approach to the tunnel."
⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[9]
A spokesperson for National Highways confirmed that the speed limit is now "enforceable between the tunnel and Carkeel roundabout".
They further stated: "The cameras will be going in over the next two weeks and will be calibrated by the end of May to early June". The cameras will effectively be able to go 'live' from that point onwards.
References
- ^ A38 (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Cornwall (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Bodmin (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Plymouth (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Nine dead and nine injured in 17 crashes in just one month (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Dramatic image and aerial video show blaze which closed road in Cornwall (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Plymouth Live (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.cornwalllive.com)
- ^ Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)