The A38 Saltash Tunnel medium speed cameras will be available soon

A notorious crash black spot in Cornwall will have average speed cameras installed on both sides, with the new measures expected to be operational by the summer. This follows a public consultation two years ago.

National Highways has encouraged the public to take part in the consultation on potential safety improvements along the A38 in south-east Cornwall. It resulted in the plan of the cameras at the A38 Saltash tunnel

At the time, the A38 Trerulefoot to Carkeel safety package was highlighted as one of a number of schemes being developed nationally for consideration under the Government’s third road investment strategy. The A38 serves as a crucial route in the south-west peninsula, connecting Bodmin to the west and Plymouth and Exeter to the east.

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However, a higher than average number of collisions between the Trerulefoot and Carkeel roundabouts required action to improve safety along this section. The proposed measures included a combination of average speed cameras, improved road and junction layouts, improved bus zones, reduced speed limits, improved signage, lighting and traffic signals.

The public was invited to take part in the consultation and provide feedback on the proposals, which was then incorporated into the National Highway report. In September 2023, it was revealed that there will be closures on the A38 and a reduction in the speed limit as part of upgrades to the Saltash Tunnel, Plymouth Live reports.

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The speed limit from the tunnel to the Carkeel roundabout has been reduced from 70mph to 50mph, with average speed cameras installed to enforce a 30mph limit through the tunnel and on the B3271 and North Road diversion routes. National Highways tunnel manager Julian Mitchell said: “Speed ​​reduction measures are much needed and we see the scheme as part of the overall programme.

“This section of the A38 is experiencing a number of minor collisions as drivers try to reduce speed quickly on the approach to the tunnel and the Carkeel roundabout and we are aware of vehicles exceeding the speed limit along the B3271 North Road diversion route as we close . the tunnel.”

There have also been reports of vehicles speeding along the B3271 North Road diversion route when the tunnel is closed. Drivers have taken to social media to share posts about the installation of the tall yellow poles, which will carry the medium speed cameras, at both ends of the tunnel.

One driver noted that workmen “were out overnight putting up the average speed camera poles on either side of the Saltash Tunnel. I suspect that in the next few days they will be setting up the cameras and the money making mobile vans will be lurking inside. the top area, towards the roundabout or when approaching the tunnel.”

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A National Highways spokesman confirmed the speed limit is now “applicable between the tunnel and the Carkeel roundabout”.

They also said: “The cameras will be installed in the next two weeks and will be calibrated by the end of May to the beginning of June.” Cameras will be able to effectively go “live” from that point on.