Average speed cameras are being installed on the A38 in Cornwall to reduce safety risks along an accident black spot.
Work will start early this summer on 10 average speed camera installations and two new spot speed cameras between the Carkeel roundabout and Trerulefoot, with new 30mph speed restrictions installed in the villages of Landrake and Tideford.
The £750,000 scheme 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, along with the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership, is taking steps after identifying safety issues on the six-mile section.
The latest five-year validated collision data, between 2019 and 2023, revealed a total of 60 collisions, resulting in 97 casualties, two of which were fatalities.
The road sees a daily average of 23,600 journeys and National Highways said the new scheme is designed to improve safety for all road users and ultimately reduce the number of people harmed on the region’s roads.
Jack Mason, National Highways’ south west road safety manager, said: “Following a review of the collision data and listening to concerns raised by local communities, we are working in partnership with our police and local authority partners and the implementation of the average speed camera scheme is a fully collaborative effort to reduce safety risks along this busy single lane section.”
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon & Cornwall Police, said the proposals would be welcomed by the local community.
“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 monitor 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.
Alison Hernandez, police & crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Speed is one of the most common contributory factors in fatal and serious collisions and we know average camera systems have a really positive effect on driver behaviour.
“I welcome the collaborative approach taken by all partners and our community to find a way to make this stretch of road safer for all.”
