RESIDENTS are being asked for their thoughts on the rollout of 20mph limit across Launceston.

Cornwall Council is seeking local opinion as it prepares to introduce 20mph speed limits in the Launceston area. The council intends to implement a 20mph speed limit on most residential streets in the settlements within the Launceston Community Network Area which currently have a 30mph speed limit.

The council has said ‘these settlements have previously expressed strong local support’ for the change, and that ‘buffer zones will also be implemented leading up to these, where deemed necessary.’

It comes as the council enters the fourth phase of its county-wide rollout, which has already seen areas such as Saltash have its speeds reduced from the standard 30mph limit.

A spokesperson for the council said: “It is considered that implementing a reduced speed limit (20mph) on roads within these areas will make a major contribution towards improving road safety, especially for vulnerable road users, and traffic using these roads. This, in turn, will aid in the achievement of the Council’s ‘Vision Zero’ goal – working towards the prevention of all fatal and serious injuries on the county road network.”

Among benefits, the council has suggested that the change could even be beneficial to the local economy.

The spokesperson continued: “The imposition of 20mph speed limits in these locations, should also improve the amenity of these areas and assist in encouraging a transition towards individuals using active travel, particularly for local journeys, resulting in increased journey time reliability and healthier communities. Severance by traffic will also be reduced, facilitating a greater use of local community facilities and enabling more liveable streets. As well as encouraging more social interaction, this may also be beneficial to the local economy.”

Residents have until October 31 to provide feedback on plans, which can be given via the Cornwall Council website.