Residents urge safety upgrades on 'rat run' road

The new A3059 goes through Nansledan along a road that was previously a dead end

A new road in Newquay is being branded "an accident waiting to happen" by residents of a Duchy of Cornwall development.

The "Newquay strategic route" linking the south and east of the town opened in May, going through Nansledan along a previously dead-end road with no pedestrian crossings.

Campaigners, who have launched a petition calling for urgent safety improvements, said the A3059 had become a rat run and there had been plenty of near misses already.

The duchy and Cornwall Council said they were monitoring traffic, speed and safety and would consider measures if surveys raise concerns.

Jake Martin said he and his two-year-old daughter were nearly hit while trying to cross the road

Jake Martin, 25, who lives with his partner and two-year-old daughter in Nansledan, said recently they were "inches away from a terrible accident" when one driver overtook at speed another who had stopped to let them cross.

"My daughter's life was at risk at that moment and if I had pushed her out in her pram just a little bit further into the road who knows what it could have been," he said.

Peter Barrett, 80, said the road had "suddenly become like the British Grand Prix" despite the 30mph (48km/h) speed limit.

"It's outrageous the speed I see vehicles going through here now. It happens daily and in the evenings until two or three in the morning," he said.

Resident Victor Williams, 62, said it had "become a bit of a free-for-all" and more enforcement was needed.

Jo Ingram started a petition calling for a 30mph limit to be reduced to 20mph

More than 600 residents have signed the petition started by resident Jo Ingram demanding urgent action.

"We got about 12 near-misses and we thought enough is enough," the 33-year-old mother-of-two said.

"There doesn't really seem to be any urgency or action, which would be fine if it was a smaller issue. But this really feels like we're waiting for an accident to happen and we're really trying to push for change before there is something serious."

Janice Swanson, who has lived in Nansledan since 2019, said the road had become much busier, but businesses were suffering as traffic was now passing through and unable to stop.

She said "We need a 20mph limit along this stretch and, ideally, not have double lines.

"We definitely need proper pedestrian crossings."

Surveys taking place

Cornwall Council said it was working with the duchy to monitor traffic levels and pedestrian safety.

It said it would consider additional measures if surveys raised any concerns.

"The new road's 30mph limit is in line with similar A roads on the surrounding road network," it said.

"Nansledan's main roads have been designed to naturally encourage lower speeds and create a walkable, safe and pleasant neighbourhood without the need for more formal engineering features."

A spokesman for the duchy said: "All main roads in Nansledan undergo a full technical assessment and road safety audit by Cornwall Council, which is the local highways authority.

"This has been the case throughout the development, including the route in question.

"We will continue to work alongside the council to monitor traffic and pedestrian safety in the area and to consider any further measures where needed."