Plea to slow down issued after 1,800 drivers caught speeding in six hours on busy Devon road

The Vision Zero South West road safety partnership has issued a plea to motorists to slow down on a busy section of road in South Devon.

More than 1,800 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit on a 40mph stretch of the A380 Torbay Link Road in just over six hours of speed monitoring.

During the speed detection sessions, which took place on six occasions over a two-week period:

• 1,821 drivers were detected travelling over the speed limit.
• 126 drivers were detected travelling at speeds over 60mph.
• The top speed recorded was 75mph.

Between 2018 and 2022, there have been nine serious collisions and 30 slight collisions on the A380 between Edginswell and Tweenaway Cross, which has prompted a safety warning from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, Adrian Leisk.

Mr Leisk, who is also chair of the Vision Zero South West enforcement group, said: “The vast majority of the motoring public in Devon & Cornwall are sensible, safe and mindful drivers who respect other road users and do their best to keep each other safe.

“Sadly, there is clearly a significant problem on this section and these numbers are far too high for such a busy road. This is particularly concerning given that emergency services have attended nine serious collisions here in the past few years.

“The Marldon Way section is a 40mph limit and clearly signed as such. The speed limits were introduced by Devon County Council following junction reconfiguration at Preston Down Roundabout and the construction of the new Kings Ash section by Torbay Council, designed to reduce the risks around approaching queuing or slow-moving traffic heading into Paington.

“We know that speed is a major cause in fatal and serious collisions. Travelling too fast not only gives you less time to react, but also significantly increases the likelihood of sustaining fatal or serious injuries in the event of a crash.

“Please heed this advice that our Speed Detection Team will be making regular visits to this section over the coming weeks to focus awareness around the posted speed limit. This isn’t about making money, it’s about keeping people safe.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Vice-chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership and Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:

“It’s extremely disheartening to see these latest figures of just how many people are speeding on the A380.

“The 40mph speed limit is there for a reason and observing that limit is the best way to stay safe and keep others safe. I support the call from our Vision Zero South West partners urging motorists to please slow down. If you don’t want to get caught speeding, don’t exceed the speed limit.”

Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: “We fully support the work of Devon & Cornwall Police’s Speed Detection Team to ensure all road users stay safe on Torbay’s highway network.

“We know that most of the collisions on Torbay’s roads involve motor vehicles, with poor driver behaviour such as speeding being one of the main causes.

“With an increase of vehicles and pedestrians on our highways network over the summer months, we want everyone to remain safe, please take extra care, don’t take unnecessary risks and be aware of your own responsibilities – regardless of how you get about.”