In a bold move towards improving road safety, Cumbria is set to implement additional 20mph speed limits across 24 designated areas. This decision follows the recent approval from the Westmorland and Furness Council, which revealed that a public consultation indicated "significant community support" for these new restrictions. Set to take effect later this year, the changes aim to enhance safety for all road users.
During the consultation process, over 5,000 residents actively participated, sharing their insights and opinions on the proposed speed limit changes. Peter Thornton, the council's cabinet member responsible for highways, highlighted that this initiative would lower the speed limit in a total of 44 areas while leaving room for further applications to be considered later on.
"Among the areas included are schools such as Castletown in Penrith. The feedback we received last year was inconclusive regarding that location, so we believe it’s best to reevaluate it separately," Thornton explained. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that not only have numerous communities expressed a desire for these changes through a streamlined process, but thousands of residents have engaged meaningfully to help tailor the plans to better suit local needs.
The specific locations where the new 20mph speed limits will be introduced include:
- Cambridge Primary School, Barrow
- Cows Tarn Lane, Walney
- Dane Ghyll Primary School, Barrow
- Newbarns Primary School, Barrow
- Ramsden Infant School, Barrow
- Walney School
- Sandy Gap Lane
- Skirsgill Lane
- Clifton
- Gamblesby
- Glassonby
- Great Asby
- Greystoke
- Sockbridge & Tirril
- Stainton
- Cartmel
- Greenodd and Penny Bridge
- Heversham
- Ings
- Levens
- Milnthorpe
- Satterthwaite
Additionally, the existing 20mph zone near St Paul's Junior School will be expanded to encompass the area outside Victoria Infant and Nursery School and Victoria Junior School in Barrow.
Thornton asserted that these new speed limits are designed to create safer streets for everyone, while also encouraging more individuals to walk, cycle, or use wheelchairs.
What do you think about the introduction of these speed limits? Are they a step in the right direction for community safety, or could they pose challenges for local drivers? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in the discussion!
