Residents in a hamlet between Bodmin and Wadebridge have launched a petition calling for the speed limit on the A389 main road to be reduced.

They want to see a big drop in the speed limit on the section of road that passes through Washaway.

John O’Carroll, who started the petition, said: “The A389 road passing through Washaway has a speed limit of 60mph. However, this speed limit poses a serious threat to public safety, especially for children and elderly residents.

“Children regularly cross the road to get on and off the school bus, but due to speeding vehicles, they are at risk of accidents. Elderly residents also find it difficult to cross the road to access bus stops or postboxes and the local chapel of St Conan. Moreover, it is increasingly challenging for drivers to exit driveways onto the road or enter from side roads due to high-speed traffic.

“According to statistics from Cornwall Council’s road safety team, there have been several accidents on this stretch of road in recent years. In 2019 alone, there were three recorded accidents resulting in injuries.

“Therefore, we urge Cornwall Council and relevant authorities to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 30 or 20mph.”

The petition can be viewed at ‘Change.org’