Westmorland and Furness Council is inviting residents to have their say on a new batch of proposed 20mph speed limit schemes aimed at making roads safer for all.
Building on the success of the first phase of the 20mph programme that will see 20 community-backed schemes rolled out this summer, the Council is now inviting feedback on 24 additional areas proposed in year two of the initiative.
The consultation gives residents the opportunity to help shape proposals for lower speed limits that have been developed together with Westmorland and Furness Members, and local Parish and Town Councils to address the specific needs of their communities.
The schemes focus on reducing vehicle speeds outside schools, playgrounds, and busy tourist areas, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents.
A three-year programme was confirmed following requests for lower speed limits via a streamlined application process introduced in December 2023. The new approach accelerated the application timeline, resulting in 49 requests for 79 potential schemes across the area.
The first-year programme, which engaged over 3,000 residents in a comprehensive consultation, will see the implementation of 20 community-backed schemes in Summer 2025.
The initiative targets built-up areas with existing speed limits of 30mph or 40mph and are designed to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists in line with Department for Transport guidelines.
Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, Cllr Peter Thornton said: “Supporting communities to introduce 20mph speed limits in the right locations is part of our clear ambition to make roads safer, reduce vehicle emissions, and create environments that encourage people to choose to walk, wheel, and cycle for their journeys.
“When we launched our 20mph policy, we committed to placing residents’ views at the centre our plans. The outcome of our extensive consultation for the first year of the programme is a testament to that as we have only moved forward with schemes that received clear community backing, as well as adjusting designs of half of the schemes based on local feedback.
“This highlights just how crucial it is for residents to share their views on local schemes during this consultation phase. We will only proceed with initiatives that have strong community support. It is your chance to influence the future of road safety in your area, and your feedback is vital in shaping initiatives that truly address local needs and priorities.”
Those who wish to feedback on their local 20mph proposal can do so by completing the online 20mph speed limit proposal consultation.
Paper copies of the consultation and scheme proposals are available for completion in selected libraries (Barrow, Grange, Kendal, Milnthorpe, Ormsgill Link, Penrith, Ulverston and Walney). Local Parish and Town Councils have also arranged for them to be available in select public buildings within their community.
Three drop in events are planned for central locations around the Westmorland and Furness area forpeople to share views directly with the Council’s Traffic Management Team. The events will take place between 2pm and 5:30pm at the following locations:
- Penrith Library on Tuesday 24 June
- Barrow Town Hall on Wednesday 25 June
- Kendal Town Hall on Tuesday 8 July
Before completing the consultation, residents are strongly encouraged to read the scheme proposals for the area to ensure they can sufficiently provide feedback.
Prioritisation of schemes for delivery in 2025/26 was determined at Eden and South Lakeland Locality Board in January, and Furness in April 2025. This was based on the level of community support demonstrated in the application, and considerations including evidence of accidents or incidents, whether the road is on a school walking route, the number of pedestrians walking along or crossing the road and deliverability of the scheme.
A further 27 eligible requests for 20mph limits that were received as a part of the initial application process will be considered for the third and final year of the programme. It is the council’s ambition to consult and deliver those schemes supported by communities by 2027, subject to additional funding, through working together with Town and Parish Councils and local communities.
To review the scheme proposals for 20mph speed limits across Westmorland and Furness and take part in the consultation, please visit westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/20mph.