Demands for greater urgency regarding A30 accident site

National Highways has stated that temporary safety provisions will be implemented for the “foreseeable future” at a junction identified as Cornwall’s most dangerous accident blackspot. This location, Plusha junction on the A30 near Launceston, has experienced three fatal collisions within a six-month period. In November, an emergency order was jointly issued by National Highways, local police, and Cornwall Council to close the junction, reduce the speed limit, and limit right-turn traffic maneuvers. The Safer Plusha Action Group and elected local officials have expressed that they are advocating for the construction of a fully-graded junction at this location, citing insufficient urgency in addressing the issue. National Highways affirmed that safety remains its primary concern, but indicated that a lasting resolution is “subject to funding”. Jean Theobald, aged 88, passed away on 7 November following a two-vehicle crash on the westbound carriageway, marking the third death at the site since May. Adrian Parsons, who represents Altarnun and Stoke Climsland on Cornwall Council, voiced concerns that National Highways appeared “fixed” on “working within their budget” rather than pursuing a more enduring solution. He stated, “It really is a matter of urgency that something permanent is put in place.” Peter Allen, representing the recently formed Safer Plusha Action Group, affirmed that its members intend to persist in their advocacy for a fully-graded junction. He commented, “I think, with the temporary measures, there is a real potential it could make things worse, particularly the way the cones are laid out. It’s confusing to people.” North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire indicated his participation in discussions and expressed hope that “a spirit of team work and co-operation” would lead to the implementation of “essential safety works” rather than merely “improvement works.” He emphasized, “This isn’t a nice to have, this is quite literally a matter of life and death.” National Highways stated that its personnel are not currently designing a grade-separated junction but are collaborating with Cornwall Council to analyze traffic patterns on adjacent roadways. They reiterated that the existing provisions would continue for the “foreseeable future,” with a lasting resolution being “subject to funding.” They further stated: “Safety is our number one priority and, in September, we unveiled plans to implement a suite of safety measures along the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes.” They concluded: “As part of the safety package, we’ve been liaising closely with our police and local authority partners to identify a number of interventions aimed at improving safety and reducing the number of incidents.”