Time is running out for people 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 inviting feedback on 24 additional areas proposed in year two of the initiative.
A total of 24, 20mph schemes have been prioritised for delivery this year and form a part of the consultation. All the prioritised schemes were put forward from within their communities and only those with clear community backing will proceed. The consultation closes on Friday 18 July.
The schemes being consulted on are:
Furness locality
- Cows Tarn Lane, Walney Island
And in the vicinity of the following schools:
- Cambridge Primary School
- Dane Ghyll Primary School
- Newbarns Primary School
- Ramsden Infant School
- St Pauls Junior School
- Victoria Infant and Nursery School
- Victoria Junior School
- Walney School, Sandy Gap Lane, Walney Island
Eden locality
- Clifton
- Gamblesby
- Glassonby
- Great Asby
- Greystoke
- Penrith
- Sockbridge and Tirril
- Stainton.
South Lakeland locality
- Cartmel
- Greenodd and Penny Bridge
- Heversham
- Ings
- Kendal
- Levens
- Milnthorpe
- Satterthwaite.
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 communities.
Before completing the consultation, residents are strongly encouraged to read the scheme proposals for the area to ensure they can sufficiently provide feedback.
Angela Jones, Director of Thriving Places, said: “Supporting communities to introduce 20mph speed limits in the right locations is part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s 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.
"There isn't long left for people to give us their views on these proposed 20mph schemes, which focus on reducing vehicle speeds outside schools, playgrounds, and busy tourist areas, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents. There is a commitment to only move forward with schemes with clear community backing so feedback through the consultation is vital. Please do take part if you have a view."
A three-year programme was introduced in December 2023 following requests for lower speed limits. 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.
Prioritisation of schemes for delivery in 2025/26 was determined at Eden and South Lakeland Locality Board in January, and Furness in April 2025. Based on the level of community support demonstrated in the application.
Considerations included 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. Officers then worked with the relevant parish and town councils to finalise designs.
A further 27 eligible requests for 20mph limits that were received as a part of the initial application process have been accepted and will be consulted on 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.