New safety measures for Exeter's M5 junction following five-year collision trend

New safety measures are to be installed on the A30 at Exeter's M5 junction 29, after collision data revealed the stretch has been the scene of 13 incidents over the past five years, the majority caused by drivers running red lights.

In response, National Highways is installing seven yellow box junctions on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways in the area.

The boxes are designed to prevent vehicles from queuing across junctions during busy periods and blocking the free flow of traffic. Enforcement will be supported by a camera van bay, also being installed as part of the works.

The scheme forms part of a wider £13 million safety investment by National Highways across the South West.

Jack Mason, South West Road Safety Manager, said collision data, risk assessments and driver behaviour insights were used to identify where targeted works were most needed.

He said the improvements on the A30 were "just the beginning of improvements this year, aiming to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads," adding that road safety "is, and will always be, our number one priority."

Mr Mason said National Highways would "never stop exploring ways to improve on safety and reliability" and confirmed that alongside targeted interventions, the organisation would be working to maintain roads across the region as part of the government's Third Road Investment strategy.