A38 reduced speed restrictions come into force
It's gone down from 70mph to 60mph
The speed limit on the A38 Parkway between the Marsh Mills interchange and Tamar Bridge has now been reduced to 60mph following a safety review by National Highways.
The review revealed that the collision rate on this stretch of road is double the national average.
Data from 2020 to 2024 identified 157 collisions leading to 226 injuries.
Work to install the new speed limit signs will began earlier this month, with the initiative's aim all about cutting collision rates.
Jack Mason, National Highways’ South West Road Safety Manager, explained the reasons behind the scheme.
“The initiative follows a long-term safety review and is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads,” he said.
“The speed reduction will reduce the number and severity of collisions and is the first step towards improving safety for motorists on the A38 Parkway and local communities."
The company has also said the journey time between Marsh Mills and Tamar Bridge will increase by just 49 seconds under the new speed limit.
Devon and Cornwall Police have backed the planned speed reduction, with Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety, highlighting the dangers of speeding.
“Inappropriate and excess speed, and not abiding by speed limits, is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours that most commonly contribute to fatal and serious injury collisions,” he said.
National Highways has worked with police and local authorities as part of its continuous efforts to improve road safety in the region.
This includes average speed cameras on the A38 between Carkeel and Trerulefoot and speed reduction schemes on the A46 near Bath and A40 in Gloucestershire.