National Highways introduces speed changes to improve A38 safety in Cornwall
New, lower speed limits are set to be introduced this week on targeted sections of the A38 in Cornwall, as part of a move by National Highways and Vision Zero aimed at saving lives.
Working in partnership with Cornwall Council, Devon & 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.
As part of the safety scheme, from Wednesday (20th Aug) road users travelling through the villages of Tideford and Landrake will see a new speed limit of 30mph, down from 40mph, with two spot speed cameras.
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.
This speed change follows the completion of work to install 10 average speed cameras, managing the 50mph limit between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot.
Caption: New, lower speed limits are set to be introduced this week on targeted sections of the A38 in Cornwall in a move by National Highways and Vision Zero to save lives
The £750,000 scheme is being jointly delivered on site by the Vision Zero partnership. 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. National Highways is not responsible for the enforcement of speed limits, that responsibility lies with the local police force.
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.”
Caption: The £750,000 scheme is being jointly delivered on site by the Vision Zero partnership and will enforce the existing 50mph limit sections
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, 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 Vision Zero, and Cornwall Council, which has been essential in achieving this safety scheme.”
Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & 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 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 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.”
Caption: National Highways and the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership are taking steps to improve safety along the A38
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 Southeast Cornwall. They will help to save lives and secure livelihoods by making the road safer and more reliable.
Find out more details on National Highways’ work in the South West here.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
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