Council announce confirmed areas for 20mph speed limits after 'successful' pilot scheme in Falmouth

Cornwall Council has revealed which areas are next in line to get new 20mph speed limits introduced. The council is set to reduce speed limits in most built-up areas in Cornwall from the standard 30mph to 20mph.

It follows a successful pilot scheme that has seen the changes already made in Falmouth, Penryn, and Camelford and resulted in motorists' speeds coming down. The changes are being made in a bid to make roads safer for all users.

The council is looking to spend around £4m on the scheme which will involve replacing speed limit signs in the affected areas to indicate that the limit has been lowered to 20mph. There are also plans for an extensive education and awareness campaign designed to let people know where the speed limit has been cut to 20mph and why.

Whilst Falmouth, Penryn, and Camelford have seen the changes made in Phase 1 here is the schedule for the rollout across the rest of Cornwall:

Phase 2 (2023) – Camborne, Pool, Redruth, Illogan; West Penwith; Truro, and The Roseland

Phase 3 (2024) – Hayle and St Ives; St Austell and Mevagissey; Newquay and St Columb; Cornwall Gateway (Saltash and Torpoint area); Liskeard and Looe; China Clay area

Phase 4 (2025) – Helston and South Kerrier; Bude; Launceston

Phase 5 (2026) – Wadebridge and Padstow; Bodmin; Caradon (Callington and Calstock area); St Blazey, Fowey, and Lostwithiel; St Agnes and Perranporth

The latest report on the 20mph project is set to go to Cornwall Council's Cabinet next week for councillors to approve the rollout. It states: "With a sign-only delivery approach (with associated Traffic Regulation Orders), we will be reliant on behaviour change to reduce vehicle speeds towards compliance. We acknowledge this will take time and we are addressing this through our communication/engagement strategy."

It later adds that whilst "there is a presumption that most existing 30mph limits will be reduced to 20mph, however not all roads are appropriate". The report explains: "Each new limit should be placed at a point that appears obvious to drivers as a transition into an urban area and be applied consistently. Roads too rural in nature do not encourage compliance and water down the impact of 20mph within the urbanised areas."

Officers also highlight that whilst enforcement would be a "last resort" all the 20mph limits would be legally enforceable. Cornwall Council's Cabinet will meet on Wednesday (March22) to consider the report.