Nearly 30 new 20mph zones proposed by council

The council will prioritise 20mph limits near schools and where there are higher numbers of pedestrians

More than two dozen 20mph zones have been proposed by a council in an effort to "make streets safer".

Westmorland and Furness Council is planning to invest £300,000 to lower speed limits on 28 roads during 2024-25.

The decision comes after the council launched a new service last year to make it easier for communities to request 20mph zones.

Phil Greenup, from the council, said the "volume of requests" it had received for 20mph roads showed communities want people to "travel safely" through towns and villages.

The council said the schemes would be prioritised based on a number of factors such as the level of community support, evidence of accidents and the road's proximity to schools.

“Slower speeds create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle," said Mr Greenup, the council's assistant director for sustainable transport and highways.

"Introducing 20mph limits will take us a significant step forward in our journey towards creating roads that prioritise people over speed and pave the way for safer more enjoyable journeys for all."

Consultations held

Informal consultations will be carried out in the coming months to address concerns before the new speed limits are introduced, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Statutory consultations will then be carried out before a final decision is made by the council's locality boards.

The 20mph speed limits are being planned for roads across Furness, Eden and South Lakeland at the following locations:

• Hawcoat

• Newbarns

• Ormsgill

• Roosecote

• Walney North

• Askham

• Crosby Ravensworth

• Dufton

• Kings Meaburn

• Melmerby

• Nenthead

• Orton

• Ousby

• Glenridding and Patterdale

• Ravenstonedale

• Temple Sowerby

• Gleaston

• Allinthwaite

• Coniston

• Oxenholme

• Ambleside

• Natland

• Swathmoor

• Sedgwick

• Great Urswick and Little Urswick

• Bowness.