Speed cameras to be installed after fatal crashes

Average speed cameras are to be installed in three Devon villages for the first time as part of a scheme to improve safety.

National Highways said the cameras would be introduced on the A35 in Kilmington, Raymond's Hill and Wilmington and speed limits reduced on some of a 14-mile section between Honiton and Charmouth.

National Highways figures for 2021 to 2025 showed there had been 62 collisions on the route, including four fatal incidents - 55% more crashes than on similar roads.

Jack Mason, National Highways' South West road safety manager, said the scheme followed a long-term safety review and was part of an "ongoing commitment" to reducing the number of people harmed on the region's roads.

Average speed cameras will monitor 40mph speed limits in Kilmington and Raymond's Hill and 30mph through Wilmington, with the new speed limits including:

• A reduction from the national speed limit to 50mph between Honiton and Widworthy Park;
• A reduction from 40mph to 30mph to the east and west of Wilmington, extending the existing 30mph limit;
• A reduction from the national speed limit to 50mph between eastern Wilmington and western Kilmington;
• A reduction from 50mph to 40mph within Kilmington.

Peter Ball, chairman of Kilmington Parish Council, welcomed the move. He said the A35 "cuts the parish in half" and people felt safer driving across the road to the shop rather than walking.

He said people in the village had been campaigning for safety measures since he moved in 17 years ago. He added a 10-mile-an-hour reduction in the speed limit was a "step in the right direction" but called for a pedestrian crossing as well.

National Highways said it would monitor the safety and performance of the route and look to make any future interventions needed.

Vegetation clearance and other preparatory work has been carried out with the main installation programme, including new signage, to be done in phases.

National Highways said the work would be carried out during overnight weekday closures, with a break for the Christmas holidays.

Once completed, by the end of March 2027, the average speed cameras and new speed restrictions will be enforceable by police.

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