A NEW campaign has been launched to make the Cubert crossroads safer.

Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham has started a petition to put pressure on the government and Cornwall Council to implement appropriate highway safety measures to reduce risk.

The campaign follows residents and parish councils calling for safety upgrades at the crossroads due to high-speed traffic, poor visibility, and limited gaps for merging drivers causing numerous road traffic accidents.

Ms Kirkham is calling for one of two of the safety measures highlighted in a feasibility study to be implemented, which includes average speed cameras, a restriction on turning, traffic lights or a roundabout.

She will be handing the petition to the Speaker of the House of Commons before it is sent to MP Simon Lightwood, the Minister for Roads, who will have to make a response.

The Truro MP hopes to set up a meeting with the Minister after they receive the petition.

Ms Kirkham launched the petition with campaigners outside Cubert Village Fish & Chip Shop on Thursday night.

There have been calls for safety upgrades at Cubert Crossroads due to high-speed traffic, poor visibility and limited gaps for merging drivers (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
There have been calls for safety upgrades at Cubert Crossroads due to high-speed traffic, poor visibility and limited gaps for merging drivers (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

She said: “For years a number of different MPs have tried to get this junction improved as there have been problems for a long time.

“There have been accidents.

“Cornwall Highways have tried to make improvements, but we think more drastic action needs to be taken.

“The petition is a good way to raise awareness and put pressure on both the government and Cornwall Highways to make improvements.”

Cubert Parish Council vice chairman Jim Jefferis said: “I have lived here since 1984 and the crossroads has been a problem since that time.

“It is getting more dangerous due to the increase in summer traffic but also because of the number of new houses being built in the area.

“It becomes a bottleneck not just at holiday times but also busy when people are travelling to and from work and school.

“The crossroads is dangerous purely because of the amount of traffic, the layout and the restricted view when motorists pull out.”

Crantock resident Paul Smith signing the petition at the campaign launch (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
Crantock resident Paul Smith signing the petition at the campaign launch (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

The petition states: “Visibility at Cubert Crossroads falls below national standards for a 60mph road, putting road users at risk of accidents and fatalities.

“It further declares that during the summer months traffic volumes increase significantly due to seasonal visitors who are unfamiliar with the junction, increasing the risk.

“It further declares that current cost-benefit approaches to road safety infrastructure undervalue the risks faced on rural roads and junctions.

“The petition further declares that the urgent implementation of highway safety measures, such as average speed cameras, a restriction on turning, traffic lights or a roundabout is needed to protect local communities and visitors using this junction.

“The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to support the campaign to ensure that Cubert Crossroads has appropriate highway safety measures in place, recognising the importance of having a safe crossroads that does not put road users at risk.”

The petition is available for people to sign at Cubert Village Fish & Chip Shop, Cubert Londis, St Newlyn East Londis, The Pheasant and Crantock Village Stores.