New 30mph speed limits have been introduced to ‘targeted sections’ of the A38 in Cornwall, reducing them from 40mph.
The new lower limit will be enforced on the sections of the road that travel through the villages of Tideford and Landrake, as part of a collaborative scheme between Vision Zero South West and National Highways, which also featured the installation of two spot speed cameras.
According to the national road operator, the latest collision data from 2019 to 2023 identified a total of 60 collisions over the five years, resulting in 97 casualties and two deaths, on a six-mile stretch of the A38 (between Carkeel and Terulefoot roundabout) that runs through both villages.
Prior to this project, National Highways also completed a £750,000 scheme to install 10 average speed cameras to better manage parts of this stretch of road that have a 50mph limit.
Jack Mason, National Highways’ south west road safety manager, said: ‘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.’
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: ‘We are delighted to be working alongside National Highways and Cornwall Council to deliver these safety improvements to this section of the A38. The local community has 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.’
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.’
