Safety-led changes linked to new housing access
Plans to introduce a new 40mph speed limit and extend double yellow lines along Morlaix Avenue in Truro have been set out by Cornwall Council. The proposals are tied to highway works required for the Park Deg Erow, Higher Newham Farm, housing development, and are now subject to public consultation until Friday 7 August.
The measures on one of Truro’s busiest approaches are intended to manage on-street parking near the new access road and lower vehicle speeds ahead of a signal-controlled junction. The council says the combination of reduced speeds, formalised waiting restrictions and a shared-use path for walkers and cyclists is aimed at improving safety for all road users.
“We are proposing to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions, double yellow lines, and a new 40mph speed limit in connection with the Park Deg Erow housing development on Morlaix Avenue.”
What is proposed
- A new 40mph speed limit along Morlaix Avenue to moderate approach speeds to the future signalised junction.
- No-waiting-at-any-time restrictions (double yellow lines) at Park Deg Erow and in critical locations to prevent visibility being obstructed.
- A shared-use pedestrian and cycle path to separate vulnerable users from traffic flows.
- A signal-controlled junction to manage turning movements to and from the development.
The authority states the restrictions are designed to stop vehicles parking where sightlines could be compromised and to support the safe movement of traffic into and out of the new estate road. The speed change forms part of the wider junction build and is intended to bring approach speeds down to a safer level in the vicinity of the signals.
Consultation, decision and delivery timetable
Residents, commuters and businesses can submit comments until Friday 7 August. The council has indicated that feedback will be reviewed before a decision is taken in September. If approved, the works are expected to begin in spring 2027, subject to the outcome of the consultation and the necessary traffic regulation processes.
| Milestone | Indicative timing |
|---|---|
| Consultation closes | Friday 7 August |
| Decision on scheme | September |
| Works start (if approved) | Spring 2027 |
Why Morlaix Avenue, and what this means for road users
Morlaix Avenue is a principal route handling significant volumes of traffic into and around Truro. The addition of a new, signalised access for the Park Deg Erow development raises the need to control speeds and protect sightlines in the approach to, and exit from, the junction. The council’s position is that aligning parking restrictions with the junction design will deter stopping in places where it could impede visibility or block turning traffic.
For drivers, the immediate practical change would be compliance with a lower posted limit of 40mph along the defined section and no parking where double yellow lines are marked. For people walking and cycling, the shared-use facility and signal control are intended to provide clearer, more predictable crossing and movement opportunities near the new estate access.
How to have your say
The consultation invites representations for or against the proposals before the deadline on Friday 7 August. According to the council, all feedback received during the statutory period will be considered before a final decision is made: once the consultation closes, officers will review the responses and determine how to proceed.
Any confirmed traffic regulation changes will be publicised ahead of implementation. If consent is granted in the autumn, detailed design, legal orders and contractor programming would follow, with the current target indicating construction in spring 2027.
