Most traffic now banned on the narrow lanes used as shortcuts to Truro
Cornwall Council has launched a six month 'Quiet Lanes' trial between Shortlanesend and Threemilestone
A trial is underway to restrict traffic using narrow rural roads between Shortlanesend and Threemilestone as a short cut to Truro.
The Quiet Lanes trial aims to make a 15km network of roads safer for people wanting to walk and cycle in the area by banning through traffic.
According to recent monitoring, around 200 vehicles use the lanes during peak hours.
From Thursday 16 September, only residents and their visitors, as well as companies delivering to properties within the zone, will be allowed to use the lanes during the six-month trial.
Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "Local residents and people walking and cycling in the area have told us they don’t feel safe using the roads due to the sheer volume of traffic. These are narrow lanes which are not suitable for this purpose.
"Road transport is major contributor of carbon dioxide emissions and research shows that around a third of journeys made by car are of less than 5km. We want to make it easier for people to make those short journeys on foot or by bike, not only helping to encourage more healthy lifestyles, but helping the environment too".
Just over half of the 635 people who responded to a recent baseline survey to understand road users’ current views about the trial stated they were against the proposals. The survey will be repeated at various intervals during the trial and this feedback, as well as the results of traffic monitoring, will help determine whether the trial will become permanent, amended or scrapped.
An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) will be used to stop motor vehicles from using the lanes except for access, with legally enforceable prohibition signs erected at 11 entry points. The scheme does not include any road closures or physical obstructions and the restrictions will not apply to the Emergency Services responding to a call.
Dulcie Tudor, Cornwall Council member for Threemilestone & Chacewater said: "Now the trial is underway it’s vital people continue to give feedback of their experience into the ongoing survey, otherwise we won’t know how it’s working and what impact it’s having on drivers, walkers, cyclists and residents.
"The traffic prohibition ‘except for access’ is legally enforceable from the moment you pass the road signs and Cornwall Council will be carrying out regular traffic counting exercises in the area over the coming months, not just in the quiet lanes area, but also measuring the impact on traffic on the A390, Kenwyn Hill and other roads outside of the prohibition area".
More information on the Quiet Lanes trial, including how to give feedback while the trial is underway, can be found on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website.