RESIDENTS in North Cornwall have reacted to the news that 20mph limits could be rolling out across the region.

At the start of October, Cornwall Council revealed that it was launching a consultation seeking the views of residents ahead of the next phase of 20mph rollouts.

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.

However, following the news, feelings from locals are mixed.

Some have criticised the move, with one resident saying: “Better if people learn how to drive and members of public learn common sense. Yes speed is a small problem, but cars and vehicles have become safer, but humans have lost their common sense.”

Another added: “What a joke! Outside schools yes, but please no to everywhere else.”

Despite some criticism of the move, others have welcomed the change, hopeful that it will make Launceston’s roads safer for all.

One commented: “Great idea but it has to be monitored and policed. The amount of people still speeding up over St Stephens Hill is beyond belief, which is 20mph from bottom to top.”

Another saying: “20mph is appropriate for most of the roads covered by the proposal which are all mainly residential. Enforcement may be an issue but Community Speed Watch may have a role to play.”

However, some don’t think the change is going far enough. One resident said: “Good and I’m all for it. The way people drive around this town is nuts and [it’s] only them to blame that 20mph speed limits are to be introduced.

“Go further and install average speed cameras or more speed humps to slow people down.

“Those against will be those who are not living on a busy road that's used like a race track daily.

“If you did you definitely wouldn't be against, thats for sure when you are a near misses every few days trying to cross the road in our street.”

Despite mixed opinions from residents, the council believes that this change will improve local travel.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council explained: “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.