Two new speed cameras have been installed on a busy stretch of the A390 near Gunnislake in Cornwall at either end of St Ann’s Chapel. The Jenoptik cameras are bi-directional, meaning they will detect speeding motorists travelling on both sides of the road. The work follows several years of campaigning and data gathering by the local community to address the issue of speeding motorists.
Dorothy Kirk, Cornwall Council local member for Calstock, said:
“I’m delighted to see the speed cameras in place and have received many favourable comments from local residents. The A390 through St Ann’s Chapel has seen many accidents and much damage to vehicles in recent years and it is imperative, for the safety of local residents – especially the children – that drivers respect the speed limit. It is reassuring to know now that the prospect of being caught on camera should deter those drivers who might otherwise have risked ignoring the 30mph limit. Cornwall Council officers have been very helpful and responsive, and I thank them for their patience and their diligence. I hope we can all now look forward to a safer future.”
Councillor John Wells from Calstock Parish Council, said:
“St. Ann’s Chapel is essentially a large, long and mainly linear village with residents living on both sides of the very busy A390; it also has two junior and pre-schools situated just off the main road. The huge growth of traffic through the village in the past few years is now estimated to be between 2.5 and 3 million vehicles a year, and speeding is a serious concern for the local community.
“In October last year we started a Community Speedwatch group. Only a few weeks ago we recorded 14 vehicles travelling at reportable speeds (35 mph or more) in one quiet ‘off peak’ hour.
“The new bi-directional speed cameras have only been installed for a few days, yet the change in traffic behaviour is so noticeable that many people have already commented to me on how much safer the road already appears to be. It seems that the cameras are already have a positive impact.
“When asked how I feel about these cameras I give a one word answer: ‘euphoric’. This is the culmination of many years effort to obtain funding and permission to have them installed.”
With the speed cameras now in place, new pedestrian crossing points will be built to make it easier for families wishing to walk or cycle to school.
