Saltash Tunnel speeders to be fined

£20 million on cameras and other upgrades

You could soon be fined for speeding through the Saltash Tunnel.

The 35-year-old A38 tunnel is getting a £20 million ‘generational’ refurbishment, involving an upgrade of its control system, electrics, lighting, fans and electronic signage, with the bulk of the work taking place next year.

In the meantime, site preparation work, including the removal of old cabling, will take place ahead of and alongside a speed reduction scheme to improve safety on roads leading to and around the tunnel.

The speed limit between the Saltash Tunnel and Carkeel roundabout is to be cut from 70 to 50, in which National Highways says is part of its commitment to safety and air quality. 

Some people - the prime minister maybe - may think that's another anti-motoring. Rishi Sunak's thought to be about to announce restrictions on speed limit reductions and the ability of authorities to levy fines and charges when he puts his part on a general election footing at the Tory conference next week.

Average speed cameras are being installed to enforce the Saltash Tunnel's 30mph limit and on the B3271 and North Road diversion routes.

Julian Mitchell, National Highways’ Tunnel Manager, said: “The speed reduction measures are much needed and we see the scheme as part of the overall programme.

“This section of the A38 sees a number of minor collisions as motorists try to reduce speed quickly on the approach to the tunnel and the Carkeel roundabout, and we are aware of vehicles exceeding the speed limit along the B3271 North Road diversion route when we close the tunnel.”

To enable the modernisation prep work the tunnel will be closed on weeknights, from 8pm to 6am until Saturday 7 October, with traffic diverted via the B3271 and North Road.

For the speed reduction scheme, the Saltash tunnel and A38 to the Carkeel roundabout will be closed overnight, on weeknights only, between 2 October and 24 October.

The overnight closures will be in place from 8pm to 6am, and from 25 October to 7 November two-way traffic signals will be in place overnight on the B3271 and North Road.

The final phase of work will see weeknight overnight closures of the tunnel and the A38 up to Carkeel roundabout in place between 8 November and 20 December, with two-way traffic signals continuing along the B3271 and North Road, overnight only.

Mr Mitchell added: “We appreciate that the schemes will impact on road users and Saltash residents, but we’re keeping the closures to an absolute minimum and we thank all drivers and residents in advance for their co-operation and patience while we carry out this essential safety work.

“Being a bi-directional tube with three lanes and tidal flow, and connecting to the private Tamar Toll Bridge, the tunnel is unique, and it’s difficult to work safely within the structure without closing it overnight. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and advise people to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their overnight journeys.”