Residents of Penrith and Kirkby Stephen are being asked for their views on whether new 20mph limits should be placed on roads in the towns.
Kirkby Stephen Town Council’s consultation ends on 26th January, while Penrith Town Council has application forms which need to be filled in by Friday, 16th February.
Westmorland and Furness Council has developed this “sign only” policy. Additional traffic calming measures would require additional funding. Schemes will be prioritised using a scoring matrix which includes clear evidence of local support.
A spokesman for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Communities are welcome to apply for 20mph speed limits in Westmorland and Furness residential areas, towns and villages.
“The new application process makes it much easier and quicker than previously and ensures speed limits can be implemented in areas supported by local communities.”
Councillor Peter Thornton, the council’s cabinet member for highways and assets, said: “We get lots of requests from residents, parish councils and schools asking whether we can help improve safety on their local roads and often speed is the single biggest problem.
“Introducing 20mph limits in the correct places can not only make our roads safer but it can also help reduce vehicle pollution and noise and improve the area for walking and cycling.
“We have made this one of our key projects in the first year of the new council and allocated £300,000 towards implementing new schemes.”
