National Highways has introduced additional signs on the A30 in Cornwall after congestion from a safety scheme led satellite-navigation systems to direct drivers onto surrounding rural roads.
The measures cover the route between Kennards House and Five Lanes, where work began in September. National Highways is also engaging with satnav providers to amend the route data responsible for sending traffic through nearby villages.
Signs and local access measures
New signs tell drivers to ignore their satnavs, remain on the A30, use both lanes and merge in turn. They also confirm that Plusha Services remains open.
“Local Access Only” signs are being installed at key points on local roads. A message sign at Exeter will warn of congestion through the works, allowing drivers to choose an alternative route while they are still on the M5.
A single-lane access route has been provided for agricultural vehicles needing to reach Plusha Services, while the programme is being adjusted to maintain access at Two Bridges.
The £9.8m scheme covers six junctions: Plusha, Trevell, Polyphant, Two Bridges, Blackhill Quarry and the Highways depot. National Highways says the stretch has a significant collision record, particularly at junctions. The works are intended to improve safety and will not increase the road’s capacity.
Satnav data under review
National Highways said its digital services team was working with satnav providers on revised route data. The changes must be assessed and tested before they are implemented.
The organisation has faced complaints from residents, councillors and MPs about traffic using local lanes to avoid queues on the A30. Last month, councillors also raised concerns about traffic being directed past a Cornish primary school.
Ian Ellis, National Highways programme manager, said: “We fully recognise the importance of maintaining reliable journeys along the A30 corridor while ensuring minimal impacts in the locality, and we’re actively monitoring traffic conditions throughout the safety scheme. We’ve also listened to feedback from local communities and a number of traffic management measures, such as improved directional and advisory signage, have been implemented both on the A30 and local roads. In the meantime, and to keep disruption to a minimum, we’ll continue to assess traffic management arrangements and mitigation measures.”
The safety scheme is due to finish in spring 2027.