Discontent Arises Over 20mph Speed Zones in Cornwall, Accused of ‘Revenue Generation’

Devon and Cornwall Police has stated that its officers will implement enforcement in 20mph (32km/h) zones when consistent violations of the speed limit are detected, following grievances from certain local residents. These zones underwent trials in Camelford, Falmouth, and Penryn during 2022 and have subsequently been expanded throughout Cornwall. A resident, apprehended for driving at 25mph (40km/h) in Carnon Downs, situated close to Truro, characterized the initiative as “revenue-generating”. Cornwall Council, the authority responsible for establishing these limits, explained that the reduced speed threshold was intended to enhance both objective and subjective safety, thereby fostering a greater sense of ease for pedestrians and cyclists. Adrian Leisk, who leads VisionZero, indicated that law enforcement personnel would be enforcing the speed restrictions as deemed suitable. “It’s important to say the police don’t set the speed limits, the local authority does having consulted with residents,” he said. “What we’re not doing is the day after these limits are introduced is walking in with enforcement.” “This is not about catching an infinite amount of drivers, it’s about trying to change behaviours.” “We enable local communities to monitor speed, capture that data… if there’s a problem with compliance then we’ve got dedicated detection teams.” Annie Hewitt, employed at a community shop close to Perranwell Station, reported completing an online speed awareness course subsequent to being identified driving at 25mph in Carnon Downs. “A lot of people in the village think it’s not about road safety but more about revenue-generating,” she said. “There have been some older people who’ve been caught, they’re quite upset about it because they’ve had clean licences forever.” “I know of two who have decided to stop driving as a result.” Councillor Martyn Alvey, the representative for the locality, utilized Facebook after an image of a speed camera van in Carnon Downs was shared within a local community group. He posted: “To those who are moaning about the recent presence of the speed enforcement team in Carnon Downs and Bissoe. “This has been arranged by me as a response to residents complaining to me and both Feock and Kea Parish Councils about speeding in both villages. “Also, in Carnon Downs to dispel the myth that the 20mph limit isn’t enforceable”” Speaking to the BBC, Alvey said: “The reason we’ve put 20mph zones in is to make the place better for pedestrian, for cyclists and for the people living there we ask is that you slow down and respect the wishes of the people in that village or town.” Gemma Hatcher, another local resident who received a speeding infraction in Carnon Downs, voiced her dissatisfaction regarding the enforcement. “I was caught within a metre or so of the sign where the limit reduces from 30mph (48km/h) to 20mph,” she said. “There’s no road calming measures… no flower baskets indicating you’re entering a village.” “Cornwall Council decided to put in these 20mph zones and we were supposedly consulted on this three years ago, but quite frankly I wasn’t aware.” Cornwall Council committed to implementing additional areas with reduced speed limits. It said: “Cornwall Council aims to reduce both death and serious injury by 50% on our roads by 2030, and 20mph limits will support this.”