St Austell’s A391: Dangerous Speeds Threaten Local Safety
Deadly Speeds on Local A391 Spark Community Alarm
The A391 distributor road, linking Holmbush and Carluddon in St Austell, is once again at the centre of local concern following shocking revelations of motorists clocked at speeds exceeding 90mph. Despite a clear 60mph limit, recent images released by Devon and Cornwall Police's Road Safety Team show vehicles, including a motorcycle with a pillion passenger, travelling at a dangerous 94mph. This busy single-carriageway road, sometimes known as the ‘New Road', has long been a source of frustration for local residents and commuters due to persistent speeding. Community complaints are frequent, highlighting the perceived disregard for safety on a route vital for daily travel within the St Austell area. The sheer excessiveness of these speeds poses a direct and immediate threat to everyone sharing the road, from families heading to local schools to individuals commuting to work. Such blatant disregard for the speed limit undermines efforts to create a safer environment and makes the community's worries entirely justified and urgent. This recent enforcement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities and residents alike in curbing dangerous driving practices.
Tragic History Prompts Police Action on A391
The alarming speed violations on the A391 are not isolated incidents but reflect a tragic and well-documented history of serious collisions on the road. In the past five years alone, two precious lives have been tragically lost, both motorcyclists, including 18-year-old Kaius Tutt in October 2022. Beyond these fatalities, seven collisions have resulted in serious or life-changing injuries, alongside nine other injury-causing incidents, marking a significant toll on our community. This grim record ensures the A391 remains a top priority for Devon and Cornwall Police, who conduct regular patrols specifically to address speeding and reduce the devastating casualty rates. The police team emphatically emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of motorcyclists, noting that even when not at fault, they almost invariably suffer the worst outcomes in a collision, especially at the high speeds recorded. Local residents' concerns are deeply understood and mirrored by the police's unwavering commitment to increasing presence and enforcement, striving to make the road fundamentally safer for everyone who uses it. The resurfacing work completed just last year aimed to improve conditions, but driver behaviour remains the critical factor for overall safety.
Driving Safely for Our Community and Visitors
As we approach the busier seasons, the message from local authorities and the community is clear: road safety is a shared, collective responsibility. While many use the A391 for daily commutes or local errands, it also serves as a crucial artery for those looking to explore our beautiful county. Whether your plans include a day trip to visit Newquay, an afternoon relaxing on Fistral Beach, or simply navigating across St Austell, adhering to safe driving habits is absolutely paramount. The danger posed by excessive speed isn't just an abstract statistic; it represents tangible harm and potential tragedy for our neighbours, friends, and the many visitors who contribute to our local economy. We want everyone to be able to safely go to Newquay and enjoy all that Cornwall offers, but this fundamental enjoyment begins with respect for posted speed limits and consideration for all other road users. Devon and Cornwall Police will continue their dedicated efforts to monitor the A391, but ultimately, the power to prevent future tragedies lies in each driver's hands. Let's work together to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone, preserving the wellbeing and vibrancy of our local community for both residents and tourists alike.
Source: Motorist and biker caught doing over 90mph on deadly road
