COUNCILLORS and police have reiterated that motorists breaking new 20mph speed limits in Cornwall could face prosecution.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet agreed to continue with its rollout of 20mph zones in built up areas in a move to improve safety on roads. The scheme has already been successfully piloted in Falmouth, Penryn and Camelford and is now set to be rolled out across Cornwall. The scheme will cut the speed limit in areas currently 30mph to 20mph with new signage.

There have been claims online that the new 20mph limits would not be enforceable but it was confirmed at last week’s meeting that motorists could be penalised if they break the limit. Cabinet member Martyn Alvey said: “There is a myth that the police won’t enforce the 20mph limits – they will. The police have the equipment to enforce 20mph.”

Cllr Alvey said: “20mph can be enforced and will be enforced.”

Richard Kent-Woolsey, operations manager of the police road safety team, said that under guidelines motorists could be prosecuted if recorded travelling at 24mph in a 20mph zone.

Councillors heard that the police would ask community speedwatch teams to monitor speeds first and this would be combined with a programme of engagement to ensure that motorists are aware of the limits.

The schedule for the rollout of the 20mph, with Phase 1 completed in Falmouth, Penryn and Camelford, is as follows:

Phase 2 (2023) – Camborne, Pool, Redruth, Illogan; West Penwi th; Truro and The Roseland

Phase 3 (2024) – Hayle and St Ives; St Austell and Mevagissey; Newquay and St Columb; Cornwall Gateway (Saltash and Torpoint area); Liskeard and Looe; China Clay area.

Phase 4 (2025) – Helston and South Kerrier; Bude; Launceston.

Phase 5 (2026) – Wadebridge and Padstow; Bodmin; Caradon (Callington and Calstock area); St Blazey, Fowey and Lostwithiel; St Agnes and Perranporth.