Cornwall speed enforcement: where police will be, 20-26 July

If you are behind the wheel anywhere in Cornwall this week, it is worth knowing where the speed detection officers are likely to be. Devon & Cornwall Police have shared their plan for the week commencing 20 July, listing the areas where officers will primarily be carrying out speed checks each day. The locations cover the whole force area, from West Cornwall right across to North Devon, and the Cornwall breakdown is set out below.

The roads are busier than usual at this time of year, with holiday traffic, caravans and visitors added to the everyday mix. That is part of why knowing where checks are taking place, and staying within the limits, matters more in the summer months than at almost any other point in the calendar.

Where officers will be each day

The force has broken the week down day by day. In Cornwall, the areas are grouped as West, Mid and East, and most days see officers working across all three.

Monday 20 July

West Cornwall, Mid Cornwall and East Cornwall.

Tuesday 21 July

West Cornwall, Mid Cornwall and East Cornwall.

Wednesday 22 July

West Cornwall, Mid Cornwall and East Cornwall.

Thursday 23 July

Mid Cornwall and East Cornwall.

Friday 24 July

West Cornwall, Mid Cornwall and East Cornwall.

Saturday 25 July

East and Mid Cornwall.

Sunday 26 July

East and Mid Cornwall.

Two things are worth pointing out about the list. First, these are the areas where officers will be working primarily, so it is not a full list of every single spot a speed check could happen. A check could still take place somewhere not named here. Second, the coverage is spread right through the week, weekend included, so there is no quieter day to bank on. The force’s message is a simple one: please drive safely and within the speed limits wherever you are.

A reminder if you are towing

Speed limits are lower when you are towing a caravan or trailer, and it is easy to forget once you are out on the open road. In built-up areas the limit stays at 30 mph, the same as any other vehicle. On single carriageways, though, it drops to 50 mph rather than the usual 60. And on dual carriageways and motorways it drops to 60 mph rather than 70.

There is one more rule that catches people out. On a motorway with three or more lanes, a vehicle towing a trailer is not allowed to use the far right-hand lane, except in certain circumstances such as lanes being closed. So if you are heading off on holiday with the caravan hitched up this week, keep the lower limits in mind and stay out of the outside lane.

Whether you are towing or not, the same advice applies everywhere you drive this week, and every week after it.