Drivers’ fury at ‘money making’ A38 speed limit cut
National Highways says the change is to make the road safer along the Plymouth Parkway between Marsh Mills and the Tamar Bridge
David Prince and Plymouth Live readers 17:00, 17 Nov 2025
View 2 ImagesThere are long tailbacks at Marsh Mills roundabout near the A38Plymouth Live readers have been voicing their opinions following the announcement[1] that the A38[2] through Plymouth will see its speed limit reduced from 70mph to 60mph.
The decision comes after an extensive safety assessment and public consultation process. Authorities report that this section has experienced above-average accident rates.
Recent data from the report revealed 157 collisions and 226 casualties between 2020 and 2024.
National Highways believes the reduced speed limit will "reduce the number and severity of collisions".
The organisation also maintains the modification will "add only 49 seconds to people's journeys" between Marsh Mills and the Tamar Bridge.
Following the September announcement and subsequent statutory consultation, National Highways will begin erecting new 60mph signage on roadsides and bridges between the Marsh Mills interchange and the Tamar Bridge from November 17.
View 2 ImagesNational Highways map showing how the speed limit will be reduced to 60mph on the A38 through Plymouth(Image: Submitted)The installation of signs, road markings and electrical infrastructure will require a series of overnight lane closures, plus exit and entry slip-road closures, with clearly marked diversions implemented where required.
The project is expected to conclude by December 22, with the new permanent speed restriction becoming active and enforceable shortly afterwards.
Current temporary speed limitations on the A38 Devon Expressway in Plymouth, implemented during the Saltash[3] Tunnel upgrade works, will be lifted upon completion of the new scheme.
Some readers support the proposal, while others express concerns about cameras, congestion, and motorist behaviour. One reader, Nonwoke2 suggests: "So on a good day, about one minute longer on the whole stretch. On a bad day, following a crash, hours longer.
I'm sure we all would like our loved ones to get home safely. Interestingly, again, all the normal comments. Cash cow (fines go to HMG, course fees pay costs and road safety initiatives), pollution, journey times, costs to businesses, etc. (Published proven evidence by ROSPA, BRAKE and others state benefits of safer speed management).
I also believe the average speed there is not 70 anyway!"
While Kacey2877 adds: "I am a HGV driver and have seen some nasty accidents on the A38 from Saltash to Exeter, I personally think all the A38 should be 60mph and more lighting, also remind people coming onto A38, it's not their right of way!"
AJGreen comments: "The A38 needs longer slip roads with better visibility of traffic already on the dual carriageway. They did it at Manadon, eastbound slip, and it works well."
Daisy73 believes: "Most of the problems on the dual carriageway are due to drivers lane hogging and people driving TOO SLOW when approaching slip roads or coming off slip roads and drivers not anticipating slip roads and not pulling out from the inside lane to allow cars to join the dual carriageway causing sudden braking, the Exeter bound slip roads at Ivybridge[4] is a nice long slip road but so many drivers drive at 40 for ages approaching it, when there's no need."
Baldy99 feels: "The slip roads are easily overwhelmed by poor light sequencing, forcing vehicles to queue on the Parkway. This has something to do with the supposed high collision rate, surely?
Lowering the speed limit won't stop accidents caused by driver error, driving under the influence or mechanical defects. Speed is a cause of a small number of RTAs. Office of National Statistics proves that.
It's just easier to extract fines."
Thistimemaybe is all for it, and says: "This is a positive move for an urban highway (which ought to be 50mph) and an ancillary benefit will be a reduction in noise for residents in homes adjacent to the A38."
Article continues belowFabfawky writes: "I use the road twice every day between Plympton[5] and the Bridge, and have seen many nasty incidents and near misses, and am totally for this move. However, it is a waste of money without proper enforcement."
Wastenotime asks: "Is the rest of the A38, where there are numerous accidents are also going down to 60 mph. Speed isn't the only reason for accidents, those that drive under the influence of drugs and drink will sadly still occur.
Driver education[6] for driving at night and at speed should be improved.
We must be one of the only cities without a motorway, too!"
Are you happy that they are lowering the speed limit on the A38 through Plymouth?
Comment below or HERE[7] to join in the debate.