New A38 speed cameras leads to calls for ’50mph limit’

PlymouthLive readers have been responding to the news of average speed cameras and a reduced speed limit through Tideford[1]. A section of the A38[2] in Cornwall is set to have lower speed limits implemented this week, following statistics revealing that 100 people have been injured in the area over a five-year period, including two fatal incidents. The speed limit will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph in Landrake and Tideford as part of a GBP750,000 scheme jointly delivered by National Highways and a partnership called Vision Zero, which aims to save lives.

From Wednesday, August 20, the order for the new 30mph speed limit came into effect, with two new spot speed cameras installed to enforce the limit. This change in speed follows the completion of work to install 10 average speed cameras, managing the 50mph limit between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot. The newly installed cameras will enforce the existing 50mph limit sections, while two bi-directional speed cameras will enforce the new speed restrictions through the two villages.

Working in partnership with Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police[3] 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. One reader, Billwizz believes: "That is indeed excellent news. I often travel to Tideford once a month.

The new limit will allow me additional time to cross the road safely back to the Quattro." Pogmothoin asks: "Now what about the rest of the A38? This is excellent news for Tideford but accidents are a daily occurrence on the rest of the A38 including the stretch between Plymouth and Exeter and the sooner the speed limit is lowered to 50 mph the better for all who use it."

OverTheRiver adds: "Super. Just need a camera that can catch the eejits that stop on the main carriageway to let other vehicles turning right out of sideroads." Kevr disagrees: "Another road ruined!"

Saferatspeed feels: "All A roads that have speed limits below 30 in key cities or 40 in rural/semi rural areas should have their funding removed. This road needs to be widened and moved away from these villages, the lower speed limits should never have been allowed as this will cause more accidents." Princewalter thinks: "They should have been bypassed but now never will so the only sensible thing is to lower the speed limits.

This road has more than its fair share of poor drivers which is especially prevalent on the double lane uphill stretches." Prboysbestmate says: "Or just drive better... driven this road numerous times, never had or seen an issue, suggests that its driver error for the few accidents that have happened." Wastenotime writes: "A big thank you to all those who can't drive responsibly.

They'll now have to adjust their speed and not race around corners on this road as they have been." Tvman asks: "What about Deep Lane, Plympton[4]? The same system needs to be implemented on the speedy 3-lane section East and West bound from Marsh Mills to Lee Mill."

Boyzeee193 says: "Another squandering of funds!" Judgestupidity questions: "Why don't they just construct a dual carriageway bypass for the whole lot? The road is such a slog for one of two main routes into the county.

The same applies to the junctions where you have to cross lanes of traffic. It's such an outdated design." Billwizz -answers: "That sounds like a brilliant idea.

However, it's worth considering the potential financial implications, as well as addressing the displacement of businesses and residences, and of course, acquiring land from Farmer Giles." Deactive says: "Cameras need to be installed in towns and villages. I frequently visit Ivybridge[5] and the speed of traffic far exceeds the 30 limit, particularly on Exeter Road and Cornwood Road.

It's like a mad dash." Mrjay09162 says: "The question that should be asked is how many accidents occurred above the speed limit?" Do you think that lowering the speed limit is the answer on this stretch of the A38?

Comment below or HERE[6] to join in the conversation.

References

1. ^ responding to the news of average speed cameras and a reduced speed limit through Tideford (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
2. ^ A38 (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
3. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
4. ^ Plympton (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
5. ^ Ivybridge (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
6. ^ HERE (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)