Drivers should stop every two hours

Members of the Health Action Zone are calling for better facilities on routes in and out of Cornwall so that drivers can rest and relax properly.

They hope that if people make use of the facilities the number of accidents due to driver fatigue would be reduced.

The Highways Agency says one in five accidents on long journeys are caused by people falling asleep at the wheel.

Action Zone Director Lindley Owen said more facilities for drivers to stop and get a rest were needed because of the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel without regular breaks.

Representatives from the Action Zone hope to have talks with the Highways Agency, Cornwall County Council and the police about possible improvements to lay-bys in the next few months.

A recent study of 1,000 drivers found half of them regularly travelled for at least two hours on motorways without a break.