Westmorland and Furness Council Approves 17 New 20mph Speed Limits
The council has given final approval for 17 new 20mph zones, bringing the total to 61 across the region since 2023.
By Megan Worthington
••3 min read
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Generic image of a 20mph speed limit signpost in a rural village setting.
Westmorland and Furness Council has given final approval to 17 new community-backed 20mph speed limits, bringing the total number of such schemes introduced across the region to 61 since 2023.
Following an extensive consultation process involving over 2,000 residents, the Eden, Furness, and South Lakeland locality boards have agreed to implement these new schemes. These initiatives are designed to create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, focusing on built-up areas and villages currently subject to higher speed limits.
The introduction of these 20mph zones is a result of a streamlined application route launched by the council in December 2023, making it easier for communities to propose and shape these safety measures. The schemes are based on Department for Transport guidance.
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"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."
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"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."
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"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 include areas in Eden such as Bolton, Kirkby Stephen, Maulds Meaburn and Newbiggin-on-Lune. In Furness, the approved areas include schools like Barrow Island Community School and St Bernard’s Roman Catholic High School, with some amendments to the proposed extents on Mikasa Street and surrounding avenues. South Lakeland schemes include locations such as Burnseside, Grasmere, and Ulverston.
Work has also begun on schemes agreed in phase two, with further areas in Eden including Clifton and Penrith, and South Lakeland including Kendal and Milnthorpe. Phase two schemes in Furness, such as those around Cambridge Primary School and Walney School, have already been introduced.
