The government has confirmed that plans to improve stretches of the main road link into Cornwall are to go ahead over the next five years. The £180 million plan will see two notorious traffic bottle-necks eased with the building of dual carriageways. The first of these is a 7.7 mile section between Carland Cross and Chiverton Cross, with a further 3.1 mile section over Bodmin Moor between Temple and Higher Carblake.
With more than 85% of visitors to Cornwall arriving by road, long queues of traffic on these sections of the A30 has become an iconic image of Summer for many of those using this transport artery for both business and pleasure in recent years. The announcement of these improvements has therefore been particularly welcomed by those in the tourism industry, who feel that a faster and better serviced road link into Cornwall can only help to make the region more attractive to potential holidaymakers.
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall commented “We have seen the short break market retracting towards Bristol and we think that’s in large part due to traffic issues. If we see a 10% increase in the short break market as a result of these improvements that would bring in an extra £50 million a year to the Cornish economy”.
The benefits of improving the road journey into Cornwall will be particularly welcomed by those travelling on holiday with pets according to David Reynolds, general manager of The Valley self-catering resort near Truro. “Those considering a holiday, and especially a short break, at The Valley’s dog friendly accommodation will certainly be pleased with this news. No dog owner wants their pet to be cooped up in a vehicle for any longer than absolutely necessary, especially in warm weather, so removing these bottlenecks will certainly help our two legged and four legged guests to arrive with us feeling happier and more relaxed which is a much better way to start a holiday. I’m sure this will help us to see more dog owners prepared to make the journey to Cornwall in the future.”