Cornwall Continues To Roll Out 20mph Speed Limits to Improve Road Safety

Cornwall Council is lowering speed limits on many roads to 20mph. This change follows successful trials in Camelford, Falmouth, and Penryn.

The new limits are now being introduced in Truro, Roseland, Camborne, Pool, Illogan, and Redruth. In June and July, the changes will extend to West Penwith.

Aims and Benefits

The council aims to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. Research shows driving at 20mph increases survival chances in collisions. At 20mph, there’s a 90% chance of survival, compared to 50% at 30mph.

Health and Environmental Gains

Lower speeds encourage walking and cycling. This improves health and wellbeing. Reduced speeds also lower emissions and improve air quality. Studies show a 20mph limit can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 37.8%. NOx emissions can drop by 51%. Noise pollution is also reduced, with a 3 decibel cut, which is like halving ambient noise.

Journey Times and Traffic Flow

Journey times in urban areas are not much affected by the new limits. Factors like junctions and crossings influence travel times more than speed limits. Lower speeds smooth traffic flow and reduce idling.

Police Enforcement

Devon and Cornwall Police will enforce the 20mph limits. They will target areas where new limits are often broken. Enforcement focuses on places with high risks of injury to road users.

Funding and Pothole Maintenance

The £4 million programme for the 20mph limits is funded by the Department for Transport. This funding cannot be used for highway maintenance issues such as pothole repairs or cutting hedges. Similarly, funds allocated for highway maintenance cannot be redirected to the 20mph programme. The council emphasizes that the specific funding streams are legally restricted to their intended purposes.

Exceptions and Costs

Not all roads will have the 20mph limit. Major roads and those where vehicles are the main function will keep higher limits. The programme aims to reduce collisions, which have high economic costs. Fatal collisions cost £2.25 million each, serious collisions £289,949, and slight collisions £29,127.

Community Support

Community involvement is key to the programme’s success. The council has created a resource pack to help spread the word locally. Public consultation will be part of each phase of the rollout.

Rollout Timeline

2023/24

• Camborne, Pool, Illogan, and Redruth
• West Penwith
• Truro and the Roseland

2024/25

• Hayle and St Ives
• St Austell and Mevagissey
• Newquay and St Columb
• Cornwall Gateway
• Liskeard and Looe
• China Clay

2025/26

• Helston and South Kerrier
• Bude
• Launceston

2026/27

• Wadebridge and Padstow
• Bodmin
• Caradon
• St Blazey, Fowey, and Lostwithiel
• St Agnes and Perranporth

Lower speed limits make roads safer, healthier, and greener. This programme supports Cornwall Council’s goals for road safety and environmental health.