New Cornwall 20mph zones slammed as 'waste of time and money'

New 20mph zones are set to be rolled out in Cornwall
-Credit: (Image: LDR)


Cornwall Live readers have been discussing the news that the Council is going ahead with imposing new 20mph speed limits on hundreds of residential roads, including in the county's largest town. This follows a successful trial scheme that has already seen changes in Falmouth, Penryn, and Camelford, leading to a reduction in motorists' speeds.

Numerous 30mph roads in these towns were reduced to 20mph during the initial phase of the programme. The first phase was launched in 2022 and due to its success, the council plans to extend the speed limits to 700 roads across four more phases until completion in 2026.

The council states that the goal of the scheme is to cut deaths and serious injuries on the road by half by 2030.

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Locals say some drivers break the speed limit and will continue to do so unless there is broader enforcement. Some have also expressed concerns about the environmental impact, fearing an increase in emissions as cars spend more time on the roads.

Commenter Cornwall Amigo said: “There's a massive difference between Penryn high street and many of the roads which have now been cursed with this diktat. Our road (a main route) is now 20. When it was 30, many drivers went through at 60 or more over the speed pillows and there have been numerous crashes, some fatal. What will putting 20 signs up do that 30 didn't? Waste of time and money, we should have average speed cameras.”

KernowKarl agreed: “If speed limits come with little or no threat of sanction, then they are pretty useless. Unfortunately, speeding is still not regarded by most drivers as being immoral and anti-social (like, say, drink-driving is). Drivers regularly drive through our 30mph village, just off the A30, at speeds of between 45 and 60 mph. Most are local people, particularly those driving 4x4s and school run parents. In other words, they know there are never any speed checks here.”

Whppmr added: “Totally unenforceable unless there is a permanent police presence or fixed speed cameras.”

I Speak The Truth thinks: “This mass roll out has been put in place without any consultation and is too much. As most agree there are places for a 20mph zone such as schools and accident black spots, but this should be proven by statistics not a carte blanche approach to every road. Blaming it on emissions is another forceful way of targeting older cars. They won’t increase the limit when everyone drives electric! These zones merely slow down productivity and cost businesses and drivers more time and money in the long run. So wrong!”

Esw115 replied: “But the new speed did indeed require consultation and court backing for it to be enforceable. This cost a great deal of money which should have been used to enforce in particular outside schools. This blanket of 20mph will never be enforced so it was a pointless waste of money in my view.”

Colinfromcornwall said: “Those who speed and break the law, will carry on doing so. Common sense tells you that all cars should be limited to the speed limit of that road and vehicles should be adapted to carry onboard sensors that obey road speed limit sensors.”

Rosepose said: “It's just too slow unless it’s outside schools.” KernowKarl replied: “It does seem too slow - and probably is where fit and healthy pedestrians are concerned. Imagine though, if you are elderly and trying to cross the road in your town or village, with poor eyesight, poor hearing and you're not too quick on your feet. A vehicle going 20 mph is far less of a threat than one doing 30mph. It also reduces noise pollution for those living in built-up areas (driving at 20mph instead of 30mph halves the ambient noise).”

How do you feel about the 20 mph speed limit? Will it save lives and reduce emissions? Have your say in our comments section.