Highways Agency
Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers
Safety Equipment in Saltash Tunnel
Illuminated Road Signs
The Saltash Tunnel and Tamar Bridge operate a combined tidal flow system in order to maximise traffic flow. The lane(s) available to you are clearly signed by overhead control signs. Illuminated red road studs supplement these signs. Remember:
Stay in the lane(s) marked like this, and to the left of the red road studs.
Never enter the lanes marked like this or cross the line of the red road studs.
Fire Points
Fire Points are located every 50 metres in the side of the tunnel and are marked by illuminated signs.
They are for use in the event of an accident and are equipped with:
- free-call emergency telephones connected to the Police station.
- fire extinguishers and hose reels.
If there is a fire in the tunnel leave your vehicle unlocked and exit the tunnel by the nearest safe exit.
Tunnel Lighting
The tunnel is lit to an appropriate level 24 hours a day. Emergency lighting is provided if the power supply fails.
Routine Maintenance
When the tunnel is closed for routine maintenance, local diversion routes will be signed.
Ventilation Systems
The tunnel has a ventilation system to remove traffic pollution. If there is a fire the system can extract smoke by pushing it along the tunnel to the exit. Environmental systems are provided to monitor air quality.
Traffic Surveillance
The tunnel is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV cameras connected to the control room. An emergency call from inside the tunnel will allow the control room operator to monitor the situation from the nearest camera.
Public Address System
Public address speakers are located throughout the tunnel. In the event of an incident listen to any messages and follow the instructions given. If you are told to leave your vehicle do so -– your life and that of any passengers could be in danger otherwise.
Remember: Fire and smoke can kill. Save your life not your vehicle!
What to do
Knowing what to do will keep you safer in the tunnel!
What to do before entering the tunnel
Never use a lane displaying a red cross.
Obey all traffic signs.
Keep left of the red road studs when lit.
Switch on your headlights. Take off your sunglasses.
Check you have sufficient fuel.
What to do inside the tunnel
Never use a lane displaying a red cross.
Obey all traffic signs.
Keep left of the red road studs when lit.
Observe the speed limit – maximum 30mph.
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Cars should maintain a minimum 2 second gap and lorries a 4 second gap.
Do not turn or reverse. Do not stop, except in an emergency, until you have left the tunnel and are clear of the exit.
Do not discard cigarettes within the tunnel.
What to do in traffic congestion
Switch off the engine, if stopped for more than one minute.
Keep your distance and maintain a minimum gap of 5 metres on stopping.
What to do if your vehicle breaks down
Switch on your hazard warning lights.
Move to near side lane if possible.
Switch off the engine.
Stay with your vehicle and await rescue.
Listen for messages on the public address system and follow the instructions given.
The tunnel is monitored with CCTV, on a 24 hour basis and light vehicle recovery is provided free of charge.
What to do if your vehicle is on fire.
If it is safe to do so, drive out of the tunnel. If that is not possible, pull over to the side, switch off the engine and leave the vehicle quickly and carefully.
Leave the tunnel by the nearest exit and call for help from an emergency telephone outside the tunnel.