Call for Action as Porthtowan Residents Demand Safer Roads

Urgent Plea for Speed Limit Reduction in Porthtowan

In a crucial development, residents of Porthtowan, a Cornish village renowned for its scenic beauty and Blue Flag beach, have launched a petition demanding the implementation of significant safety measures on local roads. The Porthtowan Road Safety Action Group, a newly formed community organisation, is spearheading this campaign in response to the urgent need for improved road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users including school children and cyclists.

Alarming Road Conditions

Porthtowan’s roads currently allow speed limits as high as 60mph in areas densely populated with pedestrians, school children, and cyclists, presenting severe risks. The situation is exacerbated by high-speed zones lacking pedestrian paths, and blind junctions near schools and popular local spots. These conditions not only endanger children boarding school buses but also residents and tourists walking to one of Cornwall’s seven Blue Flag beaches.

Discrepancies in Speed Regulations

The Porthtowan Road Safety Action Group highlights a stark discrepancy in speed regulations compared to neighboring villages, suggesting an inconsistency that places Porthtowan residents at a higher risk. Local roads are shared by a diverse mix of users including slow-moving farm vehicles, equestrians, and heavy festival and holiday traffic, all navigating through dangerous blind junctions and hill roads with limited visibility.

Community-Led Safety Initiatives

The community’s plea includes a call for reduced speed limits, the introduction of pedestrian footpaths, enhanced road signage, and better verge maintenance. These measures are deemed essential to ensure the safety of all road users, reflecting a community-driven effort to prompt immediate action from Cornwall Council.

How You Can Help

Residents are encouraged to support the petition by adding personal comments about their experiences and the impact of current road conditions on their safety and daily life. This collective community voice aims to strengthen the case for safer roads, which will be formally presented to the council.

To sign the petition and support safer roads in Porthtowan, click here.

This ongoing campaign reflects the community’s commitment to making Porthtowan a safer place for everyone, underscoring the pressing need for road safety reforms in the region.