A CONSULTATION has been launched in an effort to improve the safety of stretch of road between Launceston and Treburley.
Cormac, the organisation run by Cornwall Council which is responsible for maintaining the county’s roads, has launched a public consultation to explore improvements to a stretch along the A388.
The stretch in question, which runs between Launceston and Treburley, sits near Landue Bridge and popular local venue, café and farm shop, Tre, Pol & Pen.
The organisation says that road safety scheme was initiated in response to a series of vehicle collisions resulting in injuries over a four year period between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022.
During this time, six injury collisions were recorded: two near Landue Lodge and four at the A388 and C598 (Lezant Road) junction., with some additional collisions occurring recently at the entrance to Tre, Pol & Pen.
Following a rise in incidents along the stretch and at junctions, an in-depth study was carried out, revealing that ‘the lack of clear carriageway delineation contributed to collisions near Landue Lodge.’ As well as this, all four collisions at the Lezant Road junction ‘involved drivers failing to stop, resulting in crashes with vehicles waiting to turn right’, and the recent accidents at Tre, Pol & Pen were due to rear-shunt collisions involving vehicles waiting to turn right.
A spokesperson from Cormac explained: “The findings highlighted the urgent need for road safety improvements to address these specific issues. The proposed scheme aims to create safer conditions by providing clearer road markings and dedicated lanes for turning vehicles. These changes are expected to reduce confusion and the likelihood of collisions, enhancing overall safety for drivers and pedestrians in the area.”
The organisation has said that the involvement of local residents and stakeholders is crucial for refining the proposed measures.
The scheme has focused on three key areas: reducing rear-shunt collisions, improving carriageway delineation, and enhancing overall road safety.
Some of the suggested actions include the introduction of a new right-turn lane at the Lezant Road Junction and Tre, Pol & Pen, and the creation of a 25mm kerbed hardstanding between the Rookery Wood junction and the Landue Lodge entrance, among other new introductions seeking to improve the safety of the stretch.
Residents are being asked to give their thoughts on these introductions by contacting Andy Roberts via: [email protected] or 01872 327281.
A Cormac spokesperson said: “By addressing the specific factors contributing to collisions, the scheme aims to reduce the overall number of accidents on this stretch of the A388.
“The new right-turn lanes will facilitate smoother traffic flow by preventing through traffic from being impeded by vehicles waiting to turn, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of the road network.
“These measures aim to reduce collisions and improve safety for all road users.”
The consultation is running from December 2 until December 23. For more information and detail about all planned changes, visit www.engagespace.co.uk/cornwall/consultation_Dtl.aspx