Camera scheme starts to improve safety for road users in Devon
Highways England will start work next week on a £250,000 scheme to improve safety along the A38 and A380 at Splatford Split, near Exeter.
Following a number of road traffic incidents in this location, average speed cameras will be installed at four locations along a four-kilometre stretch of the eastbound carriageway to improve the safety for all road users of the A38 and A380.
Highways England asset delivery manager Julian Strong said:
We are committed to making our roads safer and to ensure a free-flowing network.
Collision data has shown that there have been 72 personal injury accidents between 2009 and 2014 – an average of more than one accident per month – on this section where the A38 and A380 merge following a steep descent.
Average speed cameras have been proven to be effective in getting people to moderate speed and we are taking the initiative at this location to improve safety by achieving more consistent and compliant speeds.
The speed limit along the carriageway is 70mph and the move to install cameras is supported by both Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council.
Jon Farr of the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership said:
From the observation of driver behaviour and analysis into changes in the rate of accidents, concerns were raised about vehicles merging at a variety of speeds across the four lanes of highway.
The combined assessment of both police and the highway authorities was that additional traffic management measures were required for safety purposes and to achieve a more consistent flow of vehicles through the junction.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
Speed cameras have a positive effect in reducing collisions and injuries and the installation of these cameras will improve safety. By covering the approaches to Splatford Split, it will encourage motorists to maintain a constant speed where traffic merges.
Work to install the cameras will start on Monday, 27 March and will involve two weeks of overnight single lane closures of the eastbound carriageway and one full overnight closure on 7 April, to coincide with resurfacing work already planned at the location.
The lane closures will be in place from 8pm to 6am, on weekday nights only, from the top of Haldon Hill to Splatford Split, and will be completed in time for Easter holiday traffic.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.