RESIDENTS in the Kenwyn Road area of Truro have launched a petition urging Cornwall Council to reduce the speed limit to 20mph along the busy thoroughfare.

Kenwyn Road is the main route out of the city towards Shortlanesend and Perranporth. The petition says: “Kenwyn Road is more than just a thoroughfare; it's a lifeline for parents, children and local residents who traverse it daily. Unfortunately, this important route has become a safety concern, and we believe immediate action is necessary to protect our community.

“The current speed limit is proving too high. Reports highlight not just concerns, but concrete issues such as near misses, excessive vehicle speed, and challenges in crossing safely. This is not just an inconvenience; it's a crisis that jeopardises the well-being of our residents.”

The petition is backed by Cornwall councillor Steven Webb (Lib Dem, Moresk and Trehaverne), who described the campaign as “my next ambition” after a successful campaign to gain free city-centre parking after 4pm.

“I think it’s one of the first roads that should have had 20mph,” he said. “It’s a busy road with several pinch points, houses whose residents have to pull out onto the main road, a building that sticks out, a nursery on the road and a primary school close by. It ticks all the boxes to be a 20mph zone, to Chainwalk Drive at least.

“There have been so many near misses. I myself was coming up the footpath opposite the protruding building, and a vehicle almost hit my arm in an attempt to get past a driver going in the other direction. These things are hazards not just for pedestrians and children, but for the drivers themselves.”

Road safety studies indicate that 20mph zones decrease the likelihood and severity of road accidents. Lower speed limits allow drivers more reaction time and significantly increase the chances of survival for pedestrians in the event of a collision; a pedestrian hit at 30mph is five times more likely to be killed than at 20mph.

Parents of pupils at St Mary’s primary school, in Higher Trehaverne, were among those who lobbied for the installation of a zebra crossing in 2019.

Headteacher Louise Stevenson said: “St Mary’s is currently working in close partnership with Cllr Steven Webb and members of the local community to address recent concerns regarding the safety of the pedestrian crossing on Kenwyn Road.

“Following reports highlighting potential risks, a collaborative approach is being taken to review the situation and explore measures to improve safety for pupils, families and the wider public.”

One person who has signed the petition said: “The pavements are so narrow in places that there's not enough space for two people to pass easily, but you risk life and limb stepping out into the road. Huge lorries and tractors come hurtling down within inches of any pedestrian. It really isn't safe.”

At the time of writing, the petition at Change.org had 130 signatures; petitions require a minimum of 250 signatures to go before Cornwall Council for consideration.

Cornwall Council was approached for comment.