Have Your Say: 20mph Speed Limits Set to Expand Across Newquay and Cornwall

Cornwall Council is calling on residents in Newquay to voice their opinions as part of the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the county, with public input shaping the final implementation plan. Following a successful pilot phase in Camelford, Falmouth, and Penryn in 2022, this new phase is part of a larger programme approved for a countywide rollout aimed at enhancing road safety, air quality, and community cohesion.

Residents can explore the details and share their views through Cornwall Council’s official programme page.

Cornwall’s Ambitious Road Safety Goals

Cornwall is one of the first rural areas to implement a widespread reduction of speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in residential and built-up areas. The new speed limits are part of the Council’s broader objective to cut road fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, enhancing road safety and reducing carbon emissions as Cornwall aims to achieve Carbon Neutral status within the decade.

Key benefits of the new 20mph limits include:

• Increased survival rates in collisions: Studies show that a person struck at 20mph has a 90% survival rate, compared to a 50% chance at 30mph.
• Health and wellbeing: Lower speeds can encourage walking and cycling, fostering a safer, more active lifestyle for residents.
• Reduced environmental impact: A smoother, slower driving style decreases emissions, fuel consumption, and particulate pollution from tyres and brakes, helping Cornwall meet its climate change goals.

Community-Driven Rollout Plan

Cornwall Council’s approach is tailored to individual community needs, rather than imposing a blanket speed reduction. Roads in urban areas with significant pedestrian and cyclist traffic, particularly around schools, shops, and playgrounds, will be prioritised for the new 20mph limits. Major roads and high-speed areas will generally retain their existing limits, with exceptions assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The rollout timeline, informed by road collision and casualty data, will focus on:

• 2023/24: Camborne, Pool, Illogan, Redruth, West Penwith, Truro and Roseland.
• 2024/25: Hayle, St Ives, St Austell, Mevagissey, Newquay, St Columb, Cornwall Gateway, Liskeard, Looe, China Clay.
• 2025/26: Helston, South Kerrier, Bude, Launceston.
• 2026: Wadebridge, Padstow, Bodmin, Caradon, St Blazey, Fowey, Lostwithiel, St Agnes, Perranporth.

Addressing Common Concerns

Journey Times and Bus Routes

Studies from Phase 1 indicated negligible impacts on journey times, including bus routes, in the pilot areas. The Council plans to continue monitoring travel times throughout the rollout.

Environmental and Noise Impact

Research suggests reducing speeds to 20mph can cut CO₂ emissions by 37.8% and NOx by 51.0%, while reducing noise levels by approximately 3 decibels. Fuel efficiency benefits include potential savings of up to 10p per mile due to smoother driving at lower speeds.

Why Funds Cannot Go to Pothole Repairs

The programme’s budget, funded by the Department for Transport, is allocated strictly for speed limit adjustments and cannot be diverted to other maintenance needs, such as potholes or vegetation management.

Enforcement Measures

Devon and Cornwall Police are authorised to enforce the 20mph limits where violations are common and risk of injury is higher. Enforcement actions have already commenced in several Phase 1 areas.

Learning from Wales: Cornwall’s Unique Approach

While Wales introduced a blanket 20mph default speed limit for restricted roads, Cornwall has opted for a case-by-case approach. Each 30mph zone is individually evaluated, allowing flexibility to adapt to specific community needs. Cornwall Council has prioritised transparency and community involvement, with extensive consultation processes and collaboration with local councillors and town councils.

The Council’s phased rollout, estimated to cost £4 million, underscores its commitment to reducing the human and economic toll of road collisions, which in Cornwall included 189 incidents between 2020 and 2022 where speed was a factor.