Excessive speed warning on Torbay Link Road

Drivers using the A380 Torbay Link Road are being asked to slow down after the Vision Zero South-West road safety partnership caught more than 1,800 exceeding the 40mph speed limit on a stretch of the highway in just six hours of monitoring.
In a disturbing observation, 126 drivers were recorded at speeds over 60mph and there was a top speed of 75mph.
The Edginswell to Tweenaway Cross section of the A380 has been the sight of nine serious collisions and 30 slight collisions over the four-year period between 2018 and 2022.
Devon & Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, Adrian Leisk, who is also chair of the Vision Zero South West enforcement group, said: “The vast majority of the motoring public in Devon & Cornwall are sensible, safe and mindful drivers who respect other road users and do their best to keep each other safe.
“Sadly, there is clearly a significant problem on this section and these numbers are far too high for such a busy road. This is particularly concerning given that emergency services have attended nine serious collisions here in the past few years.
“The Marldon Way section is a 40mph limit and clearly signed as such. The speed limits were introduced by Devon County Council following junction reconfiguration at Preston Down Roundabout and the construction of the new Kings Ash section by Torbay Council, designed to reduce the risks around approaching queuing or slow-moving traffic heading into Paington.
“We know that speed is a major cause in fatal and serious collisions. Travelling too fast not only gives you less time to react, but also significantly increases the likelihood of sustaining fatal or serious injuries in the event of a crash.
“Please heed this advice that our Speed Detection Team will be making regular visits to this section over the coming weeks to focus awareness around the posted speed limit. This isn’t about making money, it’s about keeping people safe.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Vice-chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership and Cabinet Member for Highway Management, added: “It’s extremely disheartening to see these latest figures of just how many people are speeding on the A380.”