A major road safety initiative on Cornwall’s A38 has sparked outrage, with critics branding it a “money-making scam.” A dozen new speed cameras will soon be installed on the busy six-mile stretch between Carkeel and Trerulefoot, a road used by thousands of tourists each year.
National Highways and the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership claim the cameras are necessary to reduce crashes, but locals and drivers argue that they are little more than a revenue-generating scheme. The announcement has triggered heated debate, with many Cornwall residents voicing their frustrations online.
Commenting on Cornwall Live’s page, one reader wrote: “More income for big brother to waste. It won’t improve safety as people will be paying more attention to their speed than the road.”
Graham1 dismisses the move entirely: “This is not a dangerous piece of road. This is just a money-making scam.”
A third, John04041992 called for a proper infrastructure solution: “The A38 should be upgraded to a dual carriageway over its entire length in Cornwall, not just install more speed cameras.”
Despite the backlash, some drivers and road safety advocates argue the cameras will save lives by reducing reckless driving.
Cameraman defended: “The A38 is NOT dangerous. It is the motorists that flaunt the law that are dangerous!”
OverTheRiver argues that speed awareness is part of responsible driving: “If more time is spent looking at one’s speedometer to stay within speed limits, it is time to hand one’s licence back!”
And Don O’Treply fired back at critics: “Making money out of people driving dangerously? As a safe driver who stays within the speed limit, count me in on that ‘scam’!”
The plan includes 10 average speed cameras and two spot speed cameras, with new 30mph speed limits in the villages of Landrake and Tideford. Authorities say the decision follows multiple fatal accidents on this stretch of road.
Campaigners from the road safety group Safe38 have been pushing for changes for years, arguing that stricter measures are needed to prevent further loss of life.