West Devon and Dartmoor commuters could face slower journeys as A38 speed limit to be cut

Commuters travelling between West Devon, Dartmoor and Plymouth could face longer journeys next year, as the speed limit on the A38 is set to be reduced.

On Thursday 18 September, National Highways confirmed plans to cut the limit to 60mph in both directions between Marsh Mills in Plymouth and the Tamar Bridge. 

The change comes amid safety concerns, with the stretch of road recording twice as many collisions as the national average for similar routes.

At present, the average speed of vehicles is 64mph, and new mobile police cameras will enforce the lower limit once it comes into effect.

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Work is expected to take place overnight in January and February 2026, with no lane closures. 

The scheme will cost £280,000, and officials have said it could slightly improve air quality and reduce noise. 

On average, journeys are set to take 49 seconds longer, and consultation on the plans will begin later this month and run for two weeks.

The proposals have divided opinion among local drivers who use the road daily.

One commuter asked: “Are the collisions due to vehicles queuing on the A38 because the slip roads are overwhelmed?”

Another wrote: “Speed doesn’t need cutting. There are too many drivers who think driving 40 is sensible on that stretch, put signs up saying it’s 70.”

Some said the issue lies with the road layout rather than speed: “Collisions are caused by poor junctions. While reducing the speed will help reduce injuries, it won’t stop accidents because some of the junctions are inherently dangerous and need redesigning.”

Others welcomed the change: “That’s long overdue, although I personally think 50mph would be more appropriate. 60mph from Lee Mill to Marsh Mills would make sense.”

Jack Mason, National Highways’ South West Road Safety Manager, said: “We’re taking steps towards improving safety on the A38 Plymouth Parkway by reducing the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph between the Marsh Mills interchange and the Tamar Bridge.

“The initiative follows a safety review which revealed that the collision rate is double the national average – the latest validated collision data identified a total of 157 collisions on the A38 Parkway, resulting in 226 injuries between 2020 and 2024.

“We will soon start the statutory process necessary to introduce the proposed speed reduction, which will reduce the number and severity of collisions, and we expect the new limit to be in place and enforceable this winter.”