Seventeen more community-backed 20mph speed limits have received final approval and will be introduced across Westmorland and Furness.
Following an extensive consultation process, more than 2,000 residents took part in initial consultation on phase three of the council's 20mph scheme by responding and shaping the 20mph schemes. This brings the total number of 20mph schemes introduced across Westmorland and Furness since 2023 to 61.
Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards previously agreed that 17 areas of the 26 initially proposed in phase three of the programme should go ahead to statutory consultation on the Legal Orders.
The statutory consultation earlier this year saw a further 486 responses. Members on the Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards have now agreed that there are sufficient benefits and community support for all 17 schemes brought forward to proceed.
Designed based on clear Department for Transport guidance, the schemes will create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. They focus on areas in built up towns and villages with a current maximum speed limit of 40mph or less. Requests for the limits came through a new streamlined route launched by Westmorland and Furness Council in December 2023 which made it easier and quicker for communities to submit applications for 20mph.
Cllr Lorna Baker, chair of Eden Locality Board, said: "Members of Eden Locality Board have been pleased and interested to see the various 20mph zones being created in our villages. We are well aware of the importance of reduced speed in saving the lives of pedestrians and these speed restrictions are particularly important in rural areas with narrow lanes."
Councillor Tony Callister, chair of Furness Locality Board, said: “The 20mph schemes that have been agreed at a recent Locality Board are as a result of extensive consultation in the community.
“Pupil safety around schools is very much of paramount importance. We look forward to seeing the restrictions in operation.”
Cllr Suzanne Pender, chair of South Lakeland Locality Board, said: “The 20mph programme has been an outstanding achievement for the council. The process has been based on both the statutory requirements and community engagement, and only schemes with strong levels of community support have been implemented. Four schemes have been implemented in my ward – Coniston, Satterthwaite, Lowick and Outgate – and these are already making a difference to reduce traffic speeds and encouraging drivers to take care in our villages, making our community safer and encouraging active travel.”
The phase three schemes agreed by the locality boards are:
Eden
Bolton, Kirkby Stephen, Maulds Meaburn and Newbiggin-on-Lune.
More details on the 20mph schemes in Eden in phase three (agenda item 7).
Furness
Barrow Island Community School, Greengate Junior School, Holy Family Roman Catholic Primary School, Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School, South Walney Infants & Primary Schools, St Bernard’s Roman Catholic High School and Yarlside Primary School.
The proposed extent of the 20mph speed limits proposed for South Walney Infant and Junior Schools has been amended. The extents of the 20mph limits on Mikasa Street, Strathmore Avenue and Strathnaver Avenue will be reduced. Dominion Street, King Alfred Street (and its back street), Strathaird Avenue, Vengeance Street (and its back streets to the north and south) will no longer be included in the scheme
More details on the 20mph schemes in Furness in phase three (item 8).
South Lakeland
Burnseside, Grasmere, High Carley & Pennington, Lowick Green, Outgate and Ulverston.
More details on the 20mph schemes in South Lakeland in phase three (item 9).
Meanwhile, work to introduce the schemes agreed in phase two earlier this year has begun in the Eden and South Lakeland localities.
They are:
Eden
Clifton, Gamblesby, Glassonby, Great Asby, Greystoke, Penrith, Sockbridge & Tirril, and Stainton
More details on the 20mph schemes in Eden in phase two: (Item 6).
South Lakeland
Cartmel; Greenodd and Penny Bridge; Heversham; Ings; Kendal; Levens; Milnthorpe and Satterthwaite.
More details on the 20mph schemes in South Lakeland in phase two (Item 7).
The Furness schemes approved in phase two have been introduced.
They are Cambridge Primary School, Barrow; Cows Tarn Lane, Walney; Dane Ghyll Primary School, Barrow; Newbarns Primary School, Barrow; Ramsden Infant School, Barrow; St Paul’s Junior School/Victoria Infant and Nursery School and Victoria Junior School, Barrow; and Walney School and Sandy Gap Lane.
More details on the 20mph schemes in Furness in phase two (Item 8).