FOR the residents of North Cornwall, one stretch of the A30 has become synonymous with closures, sirens, and accidents as it has consistently made headlines for being the site of brutal crashes. However, what can be done about the A30 Plusha junction?  

Situated between Launceston and Bodmin, the junction sees cars queue at several intersections at the side and in the middle of the road. Cars are able to turn in all directions with the junction even allowing for legal U-turns along the 70mph dual carriageway. 

With vehicles potentially having to cross four lanes of traffic, the stretch has become a blackspot for collisions.  

On Sunday, August 11, a driver in her 70s lost her life following a collision at Plusha.

The police report explained that officers were called to calls of a collision involving two cars, a white Kia and a white VW Golf, at around 12.40pm. 

As a result of the collision, the driver of the Kia, a woman in her 70s from Launceston, died - later identified as Geraldine Gibson.

The driver of the other vehicle sustained non-life-changing injuries and was taken to hospital. 

The emergency services attended, and the westbound carriageway was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene. 

Following the incident, the westbound carriageway was closed for more than 10 hours.  

Back in May, a 38-year-old man also died at the junction, with three others taken to hospital with serious injuries following a collision involving two vehicles.

In May 2023, a man in his 50s died along the stretch following a crash on the westbound carriageway involving a grey VW Beetle and a grey Ford S-MAX.

With repeated fatal and serious crashes occurring at the site, the stretch has been subject to criticism from residents and local politicians regarding its safety for years.

Following a recent incident, one resident commented: “How many more lives are going to be lost or people hurt before they do something about it? Surely at any point when you’re crossing a carriageway there should be a flyover or underpass to allow safe crossing. This is getting beyond a joke there’s always accidents there.”  

While another said: “Very dangerous junction! Not a proper slip road and the giving way when crossing the road isn’t taught. Very sad for all involved - including those that witnessed or helped.”  

Cornwall councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, Adrian Parsons has been very vocal about the issues drivers are facing when traversing this infamous stretch, and has long voiced that change is needed to improve the safety of the junction in order to prevent further accidents and save lives.

Speaking to the Post, Cllr Parsons said: “It is with great sadness that our community has again had to witness another fatal accident at Plusha, this time with a local lady losing her life. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends affected and give thanks to the emergency services who do so much in such difficult circumstances.  

“Those of us who live locally know just how dangerous this junction is, especially at peak times. We avoid the area and encourage our friends and family to do the same, such is its notoriety.  In my opinion the road layout here has never been fit for purpose and in recent times has only become busier, the junction clearly can’t cope with the volumes of traffic now passing through.  

“It absolutely infuriates me that within National Highways’ formulas for delivering a flyover, which we all know would solve the problem on this major route, loss of a life has no value! Unless change comes, it’s inevitable that more people will die or be seriously injured trying to navigate this road. 

“So, we now find ourselves in a situation where it feels like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. At the end of September, National Highways will be holding a “public awareness” session with the community, most likely in Lewannick, with a date to be confirmed. Personally, I prefer consultations!  

“It’s expected that they will propose a plan to close the centre A30 crossing at Two Bridges and the right-hand turn when exiting Plusha, as well as closing the centre crossing for the Trevell turn. For those who come out of the garage and want to turn right, they will be sent to Five Lanes, go under the bridge, and then turn back to re-join the A30. Clearly, closing these crossings will have many implications for our rural road network Whatever your thoughts—good or bad—it will be vitally important to make your case.

“My real concern is that if we allow National Highways to deliver a scheme that doesn’t serve our community well, we will be stuck with it for a long time and miss the opportunity to deliver what we all know is really needed.” 

With strong feelings locally, many are pushing for National Highways – the body responsible for the road – to make changes. 

The Post reached out to the organisation for comment on Plusha junction.  

National Highways route manager, Ed Halford said: “Safety is our number one priority, and our thoughts are very much with the families and friends of all those affected by last weekend’s tragic incident on the A30. 

“Given the ongoing police investigation we cannot comment further on this, but we constantly and actively monitor the road safety performance of the A30 and work closely with our police and local authority partners to identify and deliver road safety interventions.  

“As part of this work, we have been carrying out a study along the A30 between Launceston and Bodmin and will be looking to share the recommendations for action with the council and local communities in the near future.” 

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire was also contacted for comment.  

He said: “I’ve met with local police officers this week to discuss local people’s priorities for policing in our towns and villages. I’ve also had discussions with National Highways about the urgent need for safety improvement works on the A30 at Plusha after another tragic accident.”

With local voices getting louder, as residents shout for change at this junction, will upcoming studies and ‘public awareness’ sessions lead to the changes needed?  

Have you had any dangerous experiences at Plusha? What would you like to see changed? Let us know via: [email protected]