DATA from speed awareness signs installed in Newquay show 97 per cent of drivers are adhering to the speed limit.

Newquay Town Council has erected the mobile signs in six locations where speeding has been highlighted as an issue, which include Pentire Road, Tower Road, William Hosken Road near Nansledan School, Porth Way, Treloggan Road and Trevemper Road by the Trenance Gardens.

But the authority states there have also been some “shocking” results with the sign positioned to monitor traffic entering Newquay from Quintrell Down via Nansledan, recorded a vehicle travelling at 75mph in a 30mph zone. The incident occurred during a time when local school children were leaving for home, which has heightened concerns for their safety. At the other end of town, on Pentire Road, a vehicle was tracked at 59mph in a 30mph zone, nearly twice the national speed limit.

A spokesperson for Newquay Town Council said: “We are pleased to announce the successful introduction of speed awareness signs throughout the town.

“This initiative comes in response to concerns raised by local residents regarding speeding in several key areas. Six locations were identified as hot spots for speeding, prompting the council to work alongside Cornwall Council to install these mobile signs to enhance road safety.

“The speed awareness signs, although temporary, can be deployed for a maximum of eight weeks within any 16-week period. Initial data collected during the first eight weeks has revealed some alarming results.

“Despite the shocking instances, the data also shows a positive trend with more than 97 per cent of drivers in these areas are adhering to the speed limits.

“This statistic underscores the importance of speed awareness signs in promoting safer driving habits and protecting our community.

Newquay Town Council urges all drivers to remain vigilant and respect speed limits. Speed limits are established to protect everyone on the road, and reckless driving endangers not only the driver but also pedestrians and other motorists.

“We remind everyone of their responsibility to drive safely and considerately. Together, we can make our town a safer place for all.”

The speed awareness signs will not issue tickets but will act as guidance and a warning to motorists who are not familiar with the area and gather data on speeding and car movements for both Cornwall Council and the police.

Newquay Town Council plans to use the data from the speed awareness signs as evidence to show a permanent traffic calming measures are needed in “critical areas” in Newquay such as outside schools.

Councillors are also calling on the police to carry out extra speed enforcement in areas where motorists have been travelling at excessive speeds.