Cornwall is a popular holiday destination that draws crowds during peak seasons. With narrow country roads and limited public transport options, traffic can easily grind to a halt at busy times.
Fortunately, there are ways to outsmart congestion and ensure smooth journeys around Cornwall. Here’s how to beat the traffic by staying informed and planning ahead:
Check Traffic Reports
Keep your finger on the pulse of current traffic conditions by consulting these official reports:
Cornwall Live
Cornwall Live regularly covers live traffic news online and via social media. Their reporters give real-time updates on crashes, delays and congestion hotspots. Bookmark their traffic news page.
Pirate FM
Pirate FM radio provides Cornwall traffic updates every 10 minutes during peak hours. Tune in on 96.2, 102.8 or 106.0 FM to hear the latest during your drive.
BBC Cornwall
BBC Radio Cornwall broadcasts live traffic updates from 6am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 12pm weekends. Keep this station on to stay ahead of jams.
Cornwall Police
The @CornwallRoads Twitter account run by police provides incident updates and reports of delays. Turn on notifications so you never miss a tweet.
The AA
The AA website shows current traffic conditions on live maps. Check before departing and plan your route to avoid clogged roads.
Time Your Travel
Aim to travel outside of peak congestion periods whenever possible:
- Avoid 8-10am and 3-7pm on weekdays when roads are busiest with commuters.
- Schedule weekends or holidays if you can, when roads are quieter.
- If traveling in summer, start early before beach traffic builds up or go later in the afternoon after checkouts.
Use Back Roads
Don’t just follow your GPS or highway signs blindly. Study back road alternatives to bypass chokepoints. Apps like Waze are great for this.
Take Public Transport
Parking is limited in many destinations. Reduce traffic by riding the train or Park & Ride bus services around tourist spots.
Allow Extra Time
It always takes longer to get around during tourist seasons or events. Pad your schedule with buffer time in case of delays.
Book Accommodation Wisely
Staying closer to your must-see attractions cuts out unnecessary driving each day. Research locations before booking.
Staying up-to-date on current road conditions, avoiding peak hours, and planning ahead takes the stress out of driving in Cornwall. Use these traffic beating tips to keep your holiday road trips frustration-free.
