Safety schemes in the South West region
We're delivering targeted speed limit reductions on the A40, A46 and A38. This is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads.
What we're doing
Safety is and always will be our number one priority. That's why our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.
Our aim is to improve road safety for all road users by introducing reduced speed limits, which we anticipate will reduce the frequency and severity of collisions.
Locations
To reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by collisions, we’re proposing targeted speed limit reductions.
Our proposals are based on collision and risk assessment data.
You'll also find information here about when we're working and how this will affect you.
A38 Carkeel to Trerulefoot safety improvement scheme
We'll shortly be installing new speed limit signs for the villages of Tideford and Landrake
The new speed limit will be enforceable from Wednesday 20 August.
We are not responsible for enforcing speed limits. That's the responsibility of the relevant police force.
We'll continue installing the remaining speed cameras over the Summer.
To keep our team and road users safe, we'll use temporary two-way traffic lights at some sites while we’re working.
The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.
Background
A total of 60 collisions were recorded on this stretch of road over a five year period (2019- 2023)
These collisions resulted in 97 casualties, two of which were fatalities.
Our safety improvement will include:
- 10 average speed cameras
- two new spot speed cameras between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot
- new 30mph speed restrictions in the villages of Landrake and Tideford
- enforcement of the existing 50mph limit sections
- two new speed cameras to enforce the new 30mph limits in each direction
We've completed statutory processes for this speed limit reduction scheme.
A38 Plymouth Parkway between Marsh Mills interchange to Tamar roundabout
Next steps - statutory processes start from 7 October 2025
From 7 October 2025, we're starting the statutory processes necessary to introduce the proposed speed limit reduction to the A38 Plymouth Parkway between Marsh Mills interchange and Tamar roundabout.
A statutory notice period lasting 21 days allows you to give us your comments on the proposals.
General enquiries relating to this notice may be made in writing, using info@nationalhighways.co.uk, by 28 October 2025.
If significant changes are needed after the formal process ends, we will need to restart the process.
Check this page for updates on our proposals.
Documents
A38 Plymouth Parkway Statement of Reasons
A38 Plymouth Parkway Proposed Notice
Permanent speed reduction plan
Background
The latest validated collision data identified a total of 157 collisions on the A38 Parkway, resulting in 226 injuries between 2020 and 2024.
A safety review revealed that the collision rate is double the national average and speed was contributor.
Using this collision data and local insight we’re now proposing a permanent speed limit change from 70mph to 60mph as a first step in safety enhancements on the Parkway.
This work is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads.
A40 Huntley to Boxbush speed limit reduction
All work on this scheme is now complete.
Background
The A40 between Huntley and Boxbush currently has a number of different speed limits. We know this gives local residents and road users safety concerns.
A safety review using collision data revealed a high number of collisions involving speed on the 60mph section of road.
In 2006 we implemented a temporary 40mph speed limit at this location. After reducing the limit, collisions reduced by 78% (between 2014 and 2018).
Based on this data and local insight, we proposed a permanent 40mph speed limit along this route.
Documents
A40 Huntley to Boxbush Statement of Reasons
A40 Huntley to Boxbush Proposed Notice
A40 permanent speed reduction proposals plan
A46 between Bath and M4 junction 18 speed limit reductions
We've identified safety issues on the A46 between Bath and M4 junction 18.
Collision data between 2017 and 2021 identified 41 incidents causing 79 casualties. Two of these resulted in fatalities.
We've completed statutory processes to reduce speed limits along this stretch of road to:
- 50mph just south of J18 on the M4 to Pennsylvania village
- 30mph through Pennsylvania village
- 40mph south of Pennsylvania to Upper Swainswick, where it returns to 50mph.
Work starts in February
We'll install signs displaying the new speed limits from 24 February to Tuesday 18 March
We'll use a combination of:
- temporary traffic lights
- overnight closures (8pm to 6am) on weeknights only
Closures
A46 north of Cold Ashton roundabout
Closed overnight:
- Thursday 6 March to Friday 7 March
- Friday 7 March to Saturday 8 March
A46 south of Cold Ashton roundabout
Closed overnight:
- Wednesday 12 March to Thursday 13 March
- Thursday 13 March to Friday 14 March
- Friday 14 March to Saturday 15 March
- Monday 17 March to Tuesday 18 March
Diversions
Two main diversion routes will be suitable for large vehicles:
A46 closed north of Cold Ashton roundabout
Diversion by the B4465, the A4174 and the A420.
A46 closed south of the Cold Ashton roundabout
Diversion by the A420, the A350 and the A4.
You can travel these diversion routes in either direction
Some local roads which will have short diversions while we remove and install signs. These include:
- Field Lane
- Dunsdown Lane
- Middledown Road
- Sands Hill.
Please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journeys. We apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused by the works.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
Project information
Overview
We’re always exploring ways to make our roads safer through a better understanding of driver behaviour. We do this using collision data, risk assessments and insights.
We're proposing several speed management changes to reduce collisions.
Benefits
Safety is and will always be our number one priority.
Our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.
Achieving this shared vision will benefit:
- the country as a whole
- families and individuals whose lives continue to be affected by collisions on our roads.
Documents
