RESIDENTS on a tranquil road on the outskirts of Callington this week claimed their lives were being blighted by traffic using the road as a ratrun. Police are now stepping up patrols in the area in response to their concerns. Residents of Dupath Lane say more than 300 cars a day are travelling on the road to avoid entering Callington — despite the route being 'access only' for homeowners and visitors for the past three years. The single track road has seen many head-on collisions and many near misses with walkers, and homeowners say it is only a matter of time before a fatality occurs. Police have issued a warning to motorists to stop using the lane which joins the A388 to Plymouth or they will be prosecuted. Regular patrols are being carried out in that area. Chris Edwards, who has lived on Dupath Road for 16 months, said he and his neighbours were fed up with people 'blatantly ignoring the signs' — from private car owners to commercial vehicles and taxis. Mr Edwards said: 'It starts at 5am and people hammer down this road. 'I am here 24 hours a day, so I can see how much traffic comes down here. 'We get a lot of walkers because the views are lovely and they walk down to Dupath Well. People drive down here like lunatics and the walkers have to jump in the fence to get out the way of the cars — it is unbelievable.' Mr Edwards said he had been in contact with the authorities but had had little response and the police did not have enough resources to enforce the law. 'We need something done — the signs changed or the road blocked off at one end because otherwise someone is going to get seriously hurt.' Resident of six years Barry Elston said the situation slightly improved when the road was made 'access only' by Cornwall County Council but the problem still existed. 'People know it is restricted access but they don't care — they just believe it is their right to use the road,' he said. 'Some even hurl abuse at you and throw litter out of their windows. 'The traffic peaks early in the morning and at leaving work time, but we still get cars throughout the day, and the boy racers who think it is a bit of fun.' Callington Sergeant Brett Phillips said there had been a lot of complaints from residents and some enforcement had already been carried out along Dupath Lane. 'We are stepping up patrols and people will be prosecuted if they continue to use this road as a rat run,' he said. 'We are also working with Cornwall County Highways to see how we can tackle this long term. There are all sorts of measures that can be considered such as speed calming, making the road one way or a dead end.' PCSO Mark Stribley told Callington Town Council at its meeting last week that he had monitored the road for an hour during peak time one evening and stopped 12 drivers who were issued with a warning. If they broke the law again they would receive a £30 fixed penalty notice, he said.
