Members of a Cornish road safety partnership have urged drivers to take extra care and time over their journeys after a spate of serious collisions in the past week.

The Vision Zero South West group have issued the warning after a number of road traffic incidents (RTIs) has plagued both Devon and Cornwall.

The two county's roads are expected to become much busier in the lead up to summer, and with the easing of Covid restrictions today.

However, tragedy has struck several times on our roads over the past few days with a spate of serious crashes leaving one dead and several people seriously injured.

In the past week in Devon there have been serious collisions on the A377 at Lapford, the A30 near Sourton Cross and the B3178 in Knowle near Budleigh Salterton.

In Cornwall serious collisions occurred on the A39 near Wadebridge and the Carnkie to Penmarth Road near Stithians. A child also tragically died after an incident involving a vehicle on a campsite at the Lizard Peninsula.

Vision Zero is a collaborative project between a number of organisations across Devon and Cornwall including both Devon and Cornwall County Councils, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Highways England and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

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Inspector Joe Pardey of the Alliance Operations Department Roads Policing Team said: "As the summer approaches and COVID-19 restrictions are eased, our county’s roads are becoming busier.

"We are working with partners from across Devon and Cornwall to ask all road users to take extra time and care, especially at junctions, rural roads and on roads where reaction time is critical.

"In recent weeks there have been a number of serious and fatal collisions on our roads.

"These have had a devastating effect on those involved, their families and our communities.

"Ask yourself what you could do to be a better driver or rider and consider how your actions affect not just you but every other road user."

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Max Chantrey, Road Safety Officer at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We would like to send condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by the tragic road traffic collisions last week.

"As lockdown restrictions ease and there are more vehicles on the road, it is essential for drivers to be in full control of their vehicle, monitor their surroundings and know their driving capabilities.

"We have recently seen challenging weather conditions, so it is vital for drivers to drive to the conditions and not the speed limit.

"We are actively encouraging motorists to allow much more time for travel journeys, rushing to a destination increases stress and decreases our concentration.

"Allow sufficient time for rest stops and possible delays."

Justin Sharp, Area Manager for Protection & Collaboration with Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, said: "Road traffic collisions have a devasting effect on families, our communities and our emergency services.

"Along with our Vision Zero South West partners we urge all road users to take extra time and care whilst undertaking their journeys."