A38 Plymouth Parkway to Have Speed Limit Reduced Following Safety Review

The A38 Plymouth Parkway is set to have its speed limit cut from 70mph to 60mph after a safety review found the route’s crash rate was twice the national average.

The reduction will apply to the busy stretch between the Marsh Mills interchange and Tamar Bridge, one of the South West’s most heavily used road corridors.

Safety Review Findings

A report by National Highways revealed that between 2020 and 2024 there were:

• 157 recorded crashes

• 226 people injured

• Speed identified as a contributing factor in many incidents

  
  

Jack Mason, South West Road Safety Manager at National Highways, said the changes were essential.“The evidence is clear: this section of the Parkway has too many serious incidents. By lowering the speed limit, we expect to see a meaningful reduction in the number and severity of collisions. This is about saving lives, not slowing journeys unnecessarily.”

The new limit is expected to come into force this winter, following completion of the statutory consultation process.

Why 60mph?

National Highways said 60mph has been proven elsewhere to improve safety while keeping traffic flowing efficiently. The change is part of a phased package of improvements that may also include:

• Enhanced signage and road markings

• Junction safety upgrades

• Ongoing monitoring to track the impact of measures

Local Reactions

The announcement has sparked a range of responses from road users and local representatives.

Councillor Sarah Allen, Plymouth City Council cabinet member for transport, welcomed the move:“For years, residents have raised concerns about the safety of the Parkway. Too many lives have been lost or changed forever due to collisions. Lowering the speed limit is a sensible and proportionate step that will make a real difference.”

However, some motorists fear the change will increase congestion. David Clarke, spokesperson for the Devon Motorists’ Association, argued:“While safety must always come first, drivers are frustrated that speed reductions are being used as a blanket solution. Investment in road design, junction upgrades, and driver education is just as important as reducing limits.”

Road safety campaigners, meanwhile, have strongly backed the decision. Laura Bennett, from the charity Brake, said:“Every serious crash leaves behind devastation for families and communities. A 60mph limit on the Parkway is a positive step that could save lives. We’d urge drivers to see this not as an inconvenience, but as a commitment to keeping each other safe.”

Looking Ahead

The A38 Parkway is a vital regional route, carrying thousands of vehicles every day. Officials say the speed limit change is the first stage of a longer-term safety strategy, with further measures likely in the coming years.

National Highways will publish a full response to public feedback later this year, ahead of enforcement beginning in the winter.