Work has begun to implement a new 20mph speed limit on more roads in Falmouth and Penryn, and Camelford.

Originally 30mph, the new speeds mean fewer serious accidents and can also help improve air quality.

Cornwall Council says they're aiming to amend signs and markings on more than 700 roads during May.

Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, commented:

"This first roll out of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads in two community network areas – Falmouth and Penryn, and Camelford – has the support of local communities with 76% of those who responded to the local consultation in Falmouth and Penryn in favour, and 85% in Camelford.

"We are starting work straight away to erect new signs and work with our residents to promote safe, supportive communitieswhere we can all play a part in helping each other to live well."

Research shows 20mph speed limits provide road safety, society, and environmental benefits, including:

• Making streets safer and reducing casualties
• Increasing activity levels, as lower speeds encourage more to walk, scoot or cycle
• Support tackling climate change through lower emissions and less congestion
• Create a stronger sense of place, by creating accessible, liveable streets for all.

With more than 150 requests to reduce 30mph speed limits on roads across Cornwall, Falmouth and Penryn, and Camelford will be the areas where the change is introduced as part of the first phase of lowering speed limits on residential roads.

Dean Evans, Falmouth councillor from the 20 is Plenty campaign, added:

"Reducing traffic speeds in built-up areas is the single most cost-effective action we can take to make our roads safer and our communities even better places to live. We congratulate Cornwall Council on its work to introduce wide area 20mph limits in the Falmouth and Penryn area and in Camelford and the surrounding area."

The evaluation of this first phase will be presented to the Council's Economic Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee to then consider the potential for 20mph to become the default speed limit for residential roads in Cornwall. Final approval of wider Cornwall deployment will be for the Council's Cabinet to consider.

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