Plans for new 20mph limits set to be approved

Westmorland and Furness Council is expected to approve the plans next week

Plans to push ahead with the creation of new 20mph zones are due to take a step forward.

Documents published ahead of Westmorland and Furness Council's South Lakeland locality board meeting next week showed the authority had been recommended to approve plans to introduce reduced speed limits.

It would see the changes implemented in Gleaston, Great and Little Urswick, Natland, Oxenholme, Swarthmoor, Allithwaite, Ambleside, Coniston and Sedgwick.

In a public consultation on the proposals, all received more than 55% support, with 95.% of respondents in Gleaston backing the proposals.

The Lake District National Park Authority said it fully supported the proposals to reduce speed limits in Ambleside and Coniston.

In their response to the consultation, they said lowering the limits would make villages safer, "including for vulnerable and disabled people".

"They will make the villages a more pleasant place to dwell, encouraging spend within local businesses and they will encourage more active travel, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve the health of residents and visitors," they added.

The 20mph speed limit policy was a priority set out by the council to tackle climate change, reports the Local Democracy Reporting service.

Council documents said: "The main aims are to promote safer roads, reduce congestion, reduce vehicle pollution, enhance the environment for walking and cycling, and support the community having a sense of place."

The council will make a decision at its meeting on 23 April.