Bid to roll out 20mph zones in Eden take step forward

A Cumbrian council has launched a consultation for people to have their say on plans for 20mph areas.

Twenty-eight areas were put forward to Westmorland and Furness Council by parish and town councils to become 20mph zones.

Now people can have their say about the proposals and shape designs for the schemes, which will only be introduced if wider support from residents can be demonstrated.

£300,000 from the Council’s Priority Investment Fund has been ring-fenced to deliver the safety initiative in communities across the area. It will promote safer roads and enhance the environment for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for highways and assets said: “I am pleased to launch the council’s 20mph consultation. This has been driven by community calls for lower speed limits in appropriate areas.

“The schemes proposed for delivery this year represent a significant step towards achieving our ambition of making our roads safer for everyone.

“By reducing speed limits in key areas, we will not only improve safety, but also encourage walking and cycling, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment. This consultation is an essential part of the process, and we are committed to ensuring that any changes have the backing of the community.

“I urge all residents to participate in the consultation and share their views. This is your opportunity to shape the future of road safety in your community, and your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that these initiatives truly reflect local needs and priorities.”

Askham and Helton parish councillor, Chris Whittaker was the driving force for the 20mph scheme proposed for Askham.

With 30 years’ experience working as a police officer, Chris said: “Throughout my career I have seen the devastating impact speeding has through supporting many families who have tragically lost relatives.

“Askham is a busy village which welcomes lots of visitors to popular local destinations including Askham Hall and Lowther Castle. We are also situated on popular cycling and walking trails and because of this, we want to make our village safer through reducing the current speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.

“This scheme will only be introduced if community support is determined through the consultation, so I encourage you to have your say and let us know if you would like to see slower speeds in our village.”

To review the scheme proposals for 20mph speed limits across Westmorland and Furness and take part in the consultation, visit westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/20mph

Paper copies of the consultation and scheme proposals are also available at libraries in Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Penrith and Shap.

Drop-in events have been arranged at locations around the Westmorland and Furness area, central to the proposed schemes, providing communities the chance to engage directly with the council’s traffic management team.