A SOUTH Hams MP has criticised a potential Government proposal to increase the speed limit on the A38 to 80mph – after three serious accidents in the Ivybridge area of the dual carriageway in just two days.

Government ministers say they are considering increasing the speed limit from 70mph to 80mph on motorways and some dual carriageways.

But Conservative MP for South West Devon Gary Streeter this week spoke out against the proposal.

Mr Streeter said: 'I would strongly resist increasing the speed limit on the A38, which is already too fast and dangerous.

'An increase in the speed limit would only make matters worse.

'If the Government do consult on this I am confident we will persuade them to think again.'

The proposals for 80mph as the national speed limit on motorways is due to go out for formal consultation in early 2012.

A Department for Transport document said it was also examining whether an 80mph limit should be extended on a case-by-case basis to some other dual carriageways.

The announcement comes after a week when there were three road accidents in the Ivybridge area.

Last Thursday a section of the A38 was shut between Ivybridge and Lee Mill near Endsleigh Garden and Leisure when a car overturned.

Both carriageways were closed and two people were believed to be trapped in the overturned car.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance were called.

On the same day in a separate incident a car left the road on the A38 at Lee Mill and went into a hedge. Luckily no one was injured.

And last Wednesday morning, both lanes of the A38 eastbound were closed near South Brent following a road traffic accident.

The collision happened between two private vehicles at the off-slip of the Carew garage just before the South Brent junction.

Fire crews from Ivybridge and Buckfastleigh were called but upon arrival everyone involved in the collision was free and clear of the incident.

No injuries were reported.

Opponents of the Government's speed limit proposals believe that faster driving will lead to an increase in air pollution and more accidents.

Supporters believe an 80mph speed limit is appropriate in the light of improvements in car safety technology and also would help the economy.