Speed camera intervention sees crash reduction on notorious road

Speed cameras are being credited with a “dramatic and sustained” decrease in fatal and serious crashes on one of Devon & Cornwall’s most notorious roads.

The A38 between Dobwalls and Bodmin in Cornwall 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.

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, which is 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.

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.”