CORNWALL Council is having another go at introducing 20mph zones in residential streets across St Austell.

The council ran a public consultation on such zones in August and September last year but met with opposition from residents over a number of the proposals.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact on journey times and highlighted the need to provide a strategic traffic route through the town.

The objections led to the council having a rethink on where the boundaries for the 20mph zones should be placed with regard to some of the busier roads.

This has resulted in the majority of the C-class roads in the town being removed from the proposed scheme with these due to keep their present speed limits.

A council spokesperson said: “Following a public consultation for the St Austell 20mph proposals, we have reviewed residents’ responses in detail and listened to their views.

“As a result, we have revised the 20mph boundaries to try to achieve a better balance between arterial routes and residential areas.”

For its new 20mph consultation, the council said: “Local support has previously been shown by residents and stakeholders, including local Cornwall councillors and the town council. Buffer zones will also be implemented where deemed necessary.”

The new proposals were put out for consultation on February 10 and the closing date for comments, Friday, March 7, is fast approaching.

In most locations the existing speed limit is 30mph. The council believes reducing the speed limit will bring several benefits, including improving road safety and reducing pollution.

The council is rolling out 20mph schemes across the county. Villages in the Clay Country saw more 20mph zones introduced last year and such zones are planned for St Blazey and Fowey in 2026.

The results of the present consultation in St Austell are due to be published on August 31.