St Austell’s A391: Speeding Crisis Endangers Community Lives
St Austell's A391: A Persistent Problem with Dangerous Speeds
The A391 distributor road, a vital artery connecting Holmbush and Carluddon in St Austell, has long been a source of significant concern for local residents and authorities alike. Despite a clearly marked 60mph speed limit, this single-carriageway road, known colloquially as the ‘New Road' and featuring stretches of three lanes, is notoriously abused by speeding motorists. Recent striking images shared by Devon and Cornwall Police’s Road Safety Team starkly illustrate the issue, capturing both a biker and a motorist travelling at a shocking 94mph. These incidents are not isolated anomalies; they reflect a persistent pattern of excessive speed that has led to regular complaints from the community, prompting continuous patrols by local police dedicated to addressing these urgent safety concerns. The visible enforcement efforts underscore the severity of the problem and the ongoing risks posed to everyone using this busy route through our community.
A Road with a Tragic History: Fatalities and Serious Injuries
The alarming speeds on the A391 are not just theoretical risks; they are directly linked to a tragic collision history that has profoundly impacted the community. In the past five years alone, two individuals have tragically lost their lives on this stretch of road, alongside seven collisions resulting in serious or life-changing injuries, and nine other incidents causing various levels of harm. The vulnerability of motorcyclists is particularly stark, with both fatalities involving bikers, including the heartbreaking death of 18-year-old Kaius Tutt in October 2022 during an overtaking manoeuvre. The recent capture of a motorcycle with a pillion passenger travelling at 94mph serves as a harrowing reminder of the extreme dangers. Police stress that motorcyclists, while not always at fault, almost invariably suffer the worst outcomes in a collision. Despite major resurfacing work completed last year to improve the road's condition, the human element of unsafe driving remains the most critical factor in preventing further tragedy.
Community Call to Action: Drive Safely Across Cornwall
The Devon and Cornwall Police are unwavering in their commitment to making the A391 safer, continuing their regular visits and enforcement efforts to reduce speed and lower casualty rates. However, the ultimate responsibility for road safety rests with every individual behind the wheel or on a bike. This plea for caution extends beyond the immediate vicinity of St Austell; it applies to all roads throughout Cornwall. Whether you're a local commuter, a family heading to enjoy the stunning coastline, or planning to go to Newquay for a surf or a walk along Fistral Beach, responsible driving is paramount. Roads like the A391 connect our vibrant communities and popular destinations, and ensuring everyone adheres to speed limits and drives with due care is essential for preventing further loss and injury. Let's work together to protect our community members and visitors, ensuring that everyone can travel safely and enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer, rather than becoming another statistic on our roads.
Source: Motorist and biker caught doing over 90mph on deadly road
