Speed limits lowered to 20mph in 20 areas

PA Media A round road sign with the 20 in black on a white background with a red circle around the edge. The sign is in front of another identical one, which is blurred in the background in front of lots of trees.PA Media
The 20mph limit is focused on areas in built-up towns and villages in Cumbria

Speed limits of 20mph will be rolled out across areas in built-up towns and villages.

Westmorland and Furness Council said 20 schemes would go ahead in a plan to create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in Cumbria, but some others have been shelved.

More than 3,000 residents had their say on the plans, which included the rejection of limits in five areas of Barrow.

The council said it would only run with schemes "where clear community support is evident".

In May, the authority said it was planning to spend £300,000 lowering speed limits during 2024-25.

Respondents told the council the 20mph zones would "address not only speed, but declining air quality and car parking issues".

Of the areas initially proposed for 2025, 10 will go ahead as originally designed while the same number will be amended based on feedback.

The following locations will see the limits introduced:

  • Crosby Ravensworth
  • Dufton
  • Kings Meaburn
  • Nenthead
  • Ousby
  • Askham
  • Glenridding
  • Orton
  • Patterdale
  • Ravenstonedale
  • Temple Sowerby
  • Gleaston
  • Great and Little Urswick
  • Natland
  • Oxenholme
  • Swarthmoor
  • Allithwaite
  • Ambleside
  • Coniston
  • Sedgwick

The remaining proposals, including schemes in Melmerby, Bowness-on-Windermere, Hawcoat, Newbarns, Ormsgill, Roosecote and Walney North, would not move forward.

In the rejected Barrow areas, the council said it would "shift focus and explore different road safety priorities, particularly around schools, and will assess specific concerns raised by residents".

Residents will have a final opportunity to "share their views on the detailed final designs before any scheme is rolled out".

An additional 36 schemes, 16 in Eden and 20 in South Lakeland, have been prioritised for delivery over the next two years.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.

Related internet links