20mph speed limit proposal for parts of Cumbria

The 28, 20mph schemes that form a part of the consultation were put forward to Westmorland and Furness Council by local Parish and Town Councils who called for slower speed limits to make roads safer in their communities.

The consultation offers residents the opportunity to share feedback on the proposals and shape designs for the schemes, which will only be introduced if wider support from residents can be demonstrated.

£300,000 from the Council’s Priority Investment Fund has been ring-fenced to deliver the safety initiative in communities across the area. It's hoped it will promote safer roads and enhance the environment for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets said: "I am pleased to launch the Council’s 20mph consultation. This has been driven by community calls for lower speed limits in appropriate areas.

"The schemes proposed for delivery this year represent a significant step towards achieving our ambition of making our roads safer for everyone.

"By reducing speed limits in key areas, we will not only improve safety, but also encourage walking and cycling, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment. This consultation is an essential part of the process, and we are committed to ensuring that any changes have the backing of the community.

"I urge all residents to participate in the consultation and share their views. This is your opportunity to shape the future of road safety in your community, and your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that these initiatives truly reflect local needs and priorities."

It's a scheme being backed by some of the county's cyclist, although there are concerns that if traffic calming measures are put in place, such as narrowing roads, it may pose a greater risk to cyclists as motorists may still be inclined to overtake.

Sarah Graham runs Aragon cycles in Penrith, she said: "I'm looking at it from the introduction of more cyclist on the road. With the birth of E bikes it's becoming more accessible to more people. If the roads are safer more people will use cycling as a way of getting round town and doing small commutes.

"The flip side is that some traffic calming measures can make it more difficult for cyclists, especially where furniture is in place to narrow roads down. That has and can cause problems for cyclists.

"That's something that needs to be considered. We also believe the best way to work out traffic calming measures and introduce lower speed limits is actually to have a cyclist's perspective in part of this planning.

"Personally I'd love to see provisions for cycle trails all over the area. I think if there was provision for cyclists, or better provisions, on the road or on cycle lanes then I think we'll end up seeing more people doing commutes and odd jobs and getting around much more by bike."

"Penrith already is a 20 mph zone but it lends itself to that because the roads are narrow and as a driver you wouldn't want to drive through the town much faster than that. It's a natural speed for the safety of town centre."

Askham and Helton Parish Councillor, Chris Whittaker, was the driving force for the 20mph scheme proposed for Askham. With 30 years’ experience working as a Police Officer, Chris has seen firsthand the impact lower speeds have: "Throughout my career I have seen the devastating impact speeding has through supporting many families who have tragically lost relatives.

"Askham is a busy village which welcomes lots of visitors to popular local destinations including Askham Hall and Lowther Castle. We are also situated on popular cycling and walking trails and because of this, we want to make our village safer through reducing the current speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

"This scheme will only be introduced if community support is determined through the consultation, so I encourage you to have your say and let us know if you would like to see slower speeds in our village."

Eleven drop in events have been arranged at locations around the Westmorland and Furness area, central to the proposed schemes, providing communities the chance to engage directly with the Council’s Traffic Management Team.

Eden - from 4pm to 7pm at:

• Orton Market Hall – Monday 23 September

• Temple Sowerby Victory Hall – Monday 30 September

• Glenridding Village Hall – Wednesday 2 October

• Melmerby Village Hall – Tuesday 8 October

Furness - varying times at:

• Barrow Leisure Centre - Tuesday 17 September, 4pm to 7pm

• North Scale Community Centre, Walney – Tuesday 1 October, 4pm to 7pm

• Barrow Library – Monday 7 October, 10am to 4pm

South Lakeland - from 4pm to 7pm at:

• Urswick Parish Rooms – Thursday 19 September

• Coniston Ready Room – Monday 23 September

• Kendal Town Hall – Tuesday 8 October

• Ambleside Parish Centre – Thursday 10 October