CAMELFORD is set to be one of the test beds for what could eventually be the widespread reduction of speed limits in Cornwall’s residential areas.

Proposals have been drawn up to reduce speed limits to 20mph on more roads in the town, and a survey will go live for local people to give their views from March 30.

Under the suggested change, the majority of 30mph speed limits within the Community Network Area would be reduced to 20mph, except on roads where there is a clear need to retain the current speed limit.

Cornwall Council says that there is clear evidence of the 20mph speed limits providing benefits to road safety and the environment – as well as making residential streets more accessible and ‘liveable’.

The local authority has received more than 150 separate requests from communities to reduce 30mph speed limits. Falmouth and Penryn are the first to see these plans move ahead this month, with Camelford coming next.

The first phase of the scheme, as well including public consultation, will also assess the impact of changing signs on affected roads while making minimal physical changes to the highway. 

The Council will work closely with Devon and Cornwall Police, the “20 is Plenty” campaign, and the communities involved, to help embed behaviour change through initiatives such as Community Speed Watch. 

Once the first phase is complete, the findings will be presented to the Council’s Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

There’s potential, says the Council, for 20mph to become the default speed limit for residential roads in Cornwall.

Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “Villages, towns and cities should be places where people are free to travel in ways that are safe, sustainable and healthy.

“In many places inappropriate speed limits make movement dangerous where people live, work and play — particularly for vulnerable road users such as children and elderly people.   

“The volume of requests demonstrates just how important an issue this is for our communities.

“We know that lower speeds mean fewer serious accidents, but it can also contribute to improving air quality and combating climate change.   

“I would like to thank those who took the time to make the case for 20mph speed limits in their areas — your voice has been heard.”