Reduced speed limits introduced on A38 Cornwall

The speed limits in some areas have been reduced by 10mph from 40mph to 30mph

New lower speed limits are set to come into place on a major road in Cornwall.

National Highways said it was part of an initiative with Vision Zero South West to put new speed limits on the A38.

From Wednesday, people travelling through Tideford and Landrake will see a new speed limit of 30mph through the villages, down from 40mph, with two speed cameras also operating.

The latest data between 2019 and 2023 showed there was a total of 60 collisions, resulting in 97 casualties and two deaths on the stretch of road between the villages.

The change comes after the completion of work to install 10 average speed cameras, which are also to manage a 50mph limit between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot.

The £750,000 scheme is seeing installed cameras enforce the existing 50mph limit sections, while two bi-directional speed cameras will enforce the new speed restrictions through the two villages.

Jack Mason, of National Highways, 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."

The speed limits will come into force on Wednesday

Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said the council had been working with the community to improve safety in the area.

"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."

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "The local community have championed the need for a 24-hour monitoring presence, and I know they will warmly welcome these interventions."