More plans announced for 20mph speed limit

Councillor Peter Thornton says proposals will only go ahead with community backing

A consultation has been launched over plans to further extend 20mph speed limits.

Westmorland and Furness Council, in Cumbria, says the measure is aimed at making roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Many of the 24 new locations are near schools, playgrounds and tourist areas.

It comes as the authority rolls out the same restriction in an initial 20 areas this summer, at the beginning of a three-year plan.

The council says the latest proposals have been developed in collaboration with parish and town councils to "address the specific needs of their communities" and target built-up areas where the current speed limit is either 30mph or 40mph.

Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways, said residents' views were "at the centre of our plans" and initiatives would only go ahead if they had "strong community support".

He added: "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."

Details on the proposals are available on the council's website and anyone wishing to submit their views can then fill in an online survey by Friday 18 July.

Paper copies of the consultation are available at several libraries, while Penrith and Barrow libraries are set to host in-person events along with one at Kendal Town Hall.

Which areas are included?

The following locations could see the limits introduced:

• Clifton

• Gamblesby

• Glassonby

• Great Asby

• Greystoke

• Penrith

• Sockbridge and Tirril

• Stainton

• Cambridge Primary School, Barrow

• Cows Tarn Lane, Walney Island

• Dane Ghyll Primary School, Barrow

• Newbarns Primary School, Barrow

• Ramsden Infants School, Barrow

• St Pauls Junior School, Barrow

• Victoria Infants and Victoria Junior School, Barrow

• Walney School, Sandy Gap Lane, Walney Island

• Cartmel

• Greenodd and Penny Bridge

• Heversham

• Ings

• Kendal

• Levens

• Milnthorpe

• Satterthwaite

More than 3,000 people gave their views on the first series of proposals, leading to 10 being given the go-ahead as originally designed, while the same number will be amended.

Lower limits in five areas of Barrow were rejected.

A further 27 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 in 2027.