Speed cameras are being credited with a “dramatic and sustained” decrease in fatal and serious crashes on one of Cornwall’s most notorious roads.
The A38 between Dobwalls and Bodmin has seen a 45% reduction in serious collisions according to long-term data collected five years before and after the installation of an average speed camera scheme, says Road Safety GB.
In the five years prior to their installation in 2020, there were 22 fatal or serious collisions on this stretch of road. However, in the five years after the scheme’s installation, that figure drops to 12.
The cameras were installed by National Highways, who are responsible for the strategic road network, in collaboration with partners from the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, including Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council.
Vision Zero South West has an ambitious target of halving the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads by 2030.
Adrian Leisk, head of road safety at Devon & Cornwall Police and chair of the Vision Zero South West enforcement group, said: “We understand that speed cameras may not be popular with everyone, but this data is proof that they save lives.
“These figures demonstrate a dramatic and sustained drop in collisions on what was once a very challenging section of road, subject to much campaigning from concerned residents.
“But it’s not just this site where we have seen sustained change. Our average speed schemes throughout Devon & Cornwall see over 99% compliance across the board, showing that the vast majority of road users are driving or riding in a safe and respectful way.”
Despite the scheme’s success, Mr Leisk says there is more work to be done:
“We mustn’t forget that the figures quoted here are not just numbers. These are people’s lives turned upside down by unimaginable tragedy and trauma.
“Our officers and emergency service partners see first-hand the devastation that is caused by road traffic collisions and that is why we are so passionate about this cause.”
Over the past three years, Devon and Cornwall has seen a year-on-year decrease in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads.
Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. Commissioner Hernandez said:
“There is so much work going on in this area to help reduce the terrible harm and tragedy caused by collisions – and I’m really encouraged to see the impact schemes like this are having in the region.
“Vision Zero South West isn’t just about speed cameras. Our partnership funds some incredibly innovative and in some cases world-leading projects.
“We have pioneered the use of AI technology to prevent seatbelt and mobile phone offences, we support IMPACT which conducts groundbreaking research into post-collision care, and we help educate young people across the region to make future road users the safest they can be.”
(Picture: Vision Zero South West)
