National speed limit could be slashed on busy road as string of fatal crashes prompts action

The move comes after years of fatal collisions and mounting pressure from local residents, who demanded action from the local council.

The route runs past Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and has become known locally for a string of serious and deadly crashes.

Under the plans, average speed cameras would also be installed to enforce the lower limit and clamp down on drivers travelling too fast.

A public consultation on the proposals opened on February 26 and will run until March 19, with residents urged to have their say.

The push for change follows a deadly crash that prompted nearly 2,000 people to sign a petition calling for speed cameras along the A3083.

Adrian Leisk, head of road safety at Devon and Cornwall Police, said locals had "rightly called for action" after several fatal incidents involving excess speed.

He added: "Average speed camera systems are extremely effective at lowering speeds."

Officers have repeatedly appealed for witnesses following serious road crashes, including in December 2024, when a 22-year-old man died following a two-vehicle collision on the A3083, renewing calls for tougher safety measures.

Campaigners argued that while the road appears wide and open, this can encourage motorists to drive at inappropriate speeds, increasing both the likelihood and severity of collisions.

Council figures showed that most drivers are already travelling at or below 52mph on this stretch, suggesting the reduction to 50mph would make little difference to journey times for the majority of motorists.

Dan Rogerson, cabinet member for transport at Cornwall Council, insisted the changes are about saving lives rather than unnecessarily slowing traffic.

"Where it will make a difference is safety - this is a wide road where travelling at an inappropriate speed can have catastrophic consequences," he said.

Highlighting the human cost, Mr Rogerson said: "On this particular stretch, several young people have had their lives cut tragically short, and others have suffered serious injuries."

The scheme is being jointly funded by Cornwall Council and Vision Zero South West, a regional initiative aimed at eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.

If approved, new signage would be installed to make the revised 50mph limit legally enforceable and to warn drivers about the presence of average speed cameras.

The council said the aim is to create a consistent reduction in speeds across the entire stretch, rather than relying on spot enforcement.

All responses to the consultation will be reviewed before councillors decide whether to proceed. Should the plans get the green light, physical works are expected to take place later this year.

For now, motorists using the A3083 remain subject to the 60mph national speed limit for a single carriageway.