Lower limit, new cameras to catch speeders on road where 100 injured

Lower speed limits are set to be introduced this week along one of Cornwall's most dangerous roads. Figures have been released showing that the deadly section of the A38 has been the scene of crashes which injured 100 people in five years, two fatally. Drivers passing through the villages of Landrake and Tideford along the A38[1] in south east Cornwall will see the speed limit dropped down to 30mph from 40mph.

It forms as part of a GBP750,000 scheme jointly delivered by National Highways and a partnership called Vision Zero which is aimed at saving lives. From tomorrow (Wednesday, August 20) the order for the new 30mph speed limit will go live[2], with two new spot speed cameras installed to enforce the limit. This speed change follows the completion of work to install 10 average speed cameras, managing the 50mph limit between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot.

Newly-installed cameras will enforce the existing 50mph limit[3] sections, while two bi-directional speed cameras will enforce the new speed restrictions through the two villages. Working in partnership with Cornwall Council[4], Devon and Cornwall Police and other road safety partners, National Highways, the company responsible for England's motorways and strategic A-roads, identified an opportunity for safety enhancements on the six-mile section. The latest five-year validated collision data, between 2019 and 2023, identified a total of 60 collisions, resulting in 97 casualties and two deaths.

Research shows there is a direct link between speed, collisions and collision severity, with the risk of serious injury or death increasing with a minor increase in speed. Drivers are reminded in the Highway Code that speed limits are not targets. By reducing their speed, drivers have more time to react accordingly to the situations they might encounter, bringing safety benefits for themselves and all road users.

Jack Mason, National Highways' south west road safety manager, said: "We're thrilled to have delivered a scheme that will ensure safer journeys for road users and the local community. We are proud to have worked so closely with our partners at Vision Zero and the champions of the local community, whose passion has helped us deliver this scheme. "We're always exploring ways to make our roads safer by using collision data, risk assessments and insights to better understand driver behaviour.

The road sees a daily average of 23,600 journeys, and these speed changes aim to reduce the number of people harmed along this busy single lane section."

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: "The council has been working with the local community to improve safety at this location. It's clear that - used in the right locations - average speed cameras and lower speed limits, reduce collisions and make our roads safer. We are committed to providing connected, reliable and safe transport that works for the people of Cornwall - and our work with partners here is a prime example of that."

Anna Gelderd[5], MP for South East Cornwall, said "Taking action to improve safety along dangerous stretches of the A38 has been a key issue for people across South East Cornwall for years. I welcome the entirely new way of working between National Highways, Devon and Cornwall Police[6] Vision Zero, and Cornwall Council, which has been essential in achieving this safety scheme." Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon[7] and Cornwall Police, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside National Highways and Cornwall[8] Council to deliver these safety improvements to this section of the A38.

The local community have championed the need for a 24-hour monitoring presence, and I know they will warmly welcome these interventions. "Average speed enforcement schemes have incredibly high levels of immediate speed compliance and deliver added benefits around reducing driver stress and examples of poor driving." National Highways will continue to work with members of the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership to improve safety on Devon and Cornwall's roads and will be monitoring the effectiveness of the average speed cameras, once installed.

The company has recently delivered an average speed camera scheme on the Saltash Tunnel diversion route, a similar scheme along the Glynn Valley A38 section, and completed a scheme to improve drainage and safety on the A38 at Notter Bridge, and a feasibility study is also being progressed towards potential junction improvements between Liskeard[9] and Trerulefoot. James Millidge, Safe38 Chair, added: "Reducing the speed limit to 30mph through Tideford and Landrake will make life safer for local residents, and we very much welcome this latest safety measure being delivered on the A38. "In the longer term, Safe38 will continue to campaign to see these communities freed from the 23,500 daily vehicles altogether by the provision of a relief road that is fit for purpose that will save lives and secure livelihoods for generations to come."

Safe38 has long campaigned for this, and to see them now set for delivery in just a matter of months rather than years is fantastic news for the residents and visitors of south east Cornwall. They will help to save lives and secure livelihoods by making the road safer and more reliable. Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp[10] and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone.

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References

1. ^ A38 (www.cornwalllive.com)
2. ^ the order for the new 30mph speed limit will go live (www.cornwalllive.com)
3. ^ cameras will enforce the existing 50mph limit (www.cornwalllive.com)
4. ^ Cornwall Council (www.cornwalllive.com)
5. ^ Anna Gelderd (www.cornwalllive.com)
6. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.cornwalllive.com)
7. ^ Devon (www.cornwalllive.com)
8. ^ Cornwall (www.cornwalllive.com)
9. ^ Liskeard (www.cornwalllive.com)
10. ^ Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
11. ^ Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)