A38 Liskeard to Trerulefoot plan: what Safe38 says is missing

A public consultation on changes to one of the busiest stretches of road in South East Cornwall has opened, and a local campaign group has already put its concerns in writing.

The consultation on the proposed Liskeard to Trerulefoot Safety Scheme begins on Monday 5 October. Road safety campaign group Safe38 says the package of measures for the A38 between Trerulefoot and Liskeard falls short of what it believes is needed.

Safe38 chair James Millidge has written to MP Anna Gelderd to set out the group’s concerns.

Central reservation gaps

The group’s first point is about what it says the scheme leaves untouched.

James said: “We are also concerned that the scheme does not address what we believe to be one of the fundamental requirements for this section of the A38: the closure of the central reservation gaps.

“We are particularly concerned about the proposed removal of some of the right-turn movements, especially at Menheniot.”

What Safe38 wants instead

Safe38 says the proposed scheme provides neither a grade-separated junction nor a dedicated local access road. James argues that it removes some right-turn movements without providing an equivalent alternative route.

He said: “There appears to be widespread agreement that, ultimately, what is required is a grade-separated junction together with appropriate provision for local access.

“This would enable the full closure of the vast majority of central reservation gaps and right-turn movements between Liskeard and Trerulefoot, while maintaining appropriate connectivity for local communities and businesses.”

He added: “We are concerned that this could have significant and currently difficult-to-quantify consequences for the local road network and for businesses that rely upon existing access arrangements.”

The group is asking National Highways to reconsider the scheme and bring forward what James calls “an appropriate long-term solution”.

Local roads, businesses and Menheniot station

Safe38 says it welcomes money being spent on road safety. Its worry is about what the changes could mean away from the A38 itself.

James said: “Whilst Safe38 welcomes investment in road safety, we believe that any safety scheme must improve road safety without having an adverse impact on the safety, security and livelihoods of the communities and businesses along the route.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential for increased traffic on unsuitable local roads, including rat-running, as well as the possibility of dangerous U-turn manoeuvres on the A38 when drivers are unable to make previously available movements.

“The potential impact on local businesses such as Adrenalin Quarry is particularly worrying, where access is an important consideration, including public access to Menheniot railway station.

“More broadly, we consider the scheme could sever or significantly weaken community links between areas to the north and south of the existing A38.”

📷Man driver hands holding the car steering panel