Motorists are bracing for a new era of enforcement as average speed cameras are set to be activated on either side of a major tunnel next month. The move has garnered support, yet some argue a new 30mph limit is « ridiculously slow ».
Saltash Tunnel, in Saltash, Cornwall, is set to see the introduction of these cameras is part of a broader safety initiative which includes upgraded signage, revamped road layouts, enhanced lighting, and revised speed limits.
Notably, the speed limit has been reduced from 70mph to 50mph between the tunnel and Carkeel roundabout, with the new cameras enforcing a 30mph limit through the tunnel and along the B3271 and North Road diversion routes.
The decision to implement these measures was driven by a collision rate above the national average in the area between the Trerulefoot and Carkeel roundabouts.
Julian Mitchell, National Highways’ tunnel manager, told CornwallLive: « The speed reduction measures are much needed and we see the scheme as part of the overall programme. »
Mitchell highlighted the frequent minor collisions occurring as drivers decelerate approaching the tunnel and Carkeel roundabout, as well as the issue of speeding along the B3271 North Road when the tunnel is closed.
A National Highways spokesperson confirmed that the speed limit is now « enforceable between the tunnel and Carkeel roundabout », adding that « the cameras will be going in over the next two weeks and will be calibrated by the end of May to early June », reports Cornwall Live.
Commenter Rickyo has blasted the new tunnel speed limit, saying: « 30 mph is ridiculously slow. »
In response, user Oldgit52 argued: « 30mph in a tunnel when you have a contra flow with changing priorities is hardly ridiculously slow. I have seen many times drivers not being aware the middle lane priority has changed and have seen a few near misses because of that. »
« Imagine if those vehicles were going faster, presumably at speeds that you personally determine, even 30mph is a 60mph crash, that is why the limit was lowered from 50mph some time ago. That happening in a tunnel would be disastrous ».
Commenter Jeffstelling chimed in: « Keeping to the new 50mph limit possibly adds a max of 30 seconds to your journey, don’t see a problem with that myself ».
Meanwhile, Bobbybiscuit [sic] expressed his view: « I personally think 50mph is much too low and should be 60mph. After all its a dual carriageway.
« Not heard of any accidents on that road for a long time (before the reduction) so I dont know what the safety concerns are. »
Billwizz [sic] added: « The primary contributing factor to collisions on roads of this nature is the combination of excessive speed and appalling driving standards. Consequently, the proposed addition is both timely and necessary. »
Echoing these sentiments, OverTheRiver added: « Absolutely. Far too many don’t even consider the risk to others – and themselves – the diabolical standards of their driving. How on earth some pass their test is a mystery! « .
Meanwhile, voicing his opinion on Facebook, Christopher Hicks remarked: « The majority of accidents are between Trerulefoot roundabout and Carkeel roundabout, not in the actual tunnel where the new cameras are being switched on. Sounds like another money making scheme on top of the proposed toll increase. »
Robert Clegg said: « But they do have the desired effect. I drove along the M4 today, round the M25 North and up the A12. From Reading, where the cameras and average speed detectors start in earnest nobody was speeding. A big change from a while ago. »
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