Speeding drivers in towns and villages in Eden could have the brakes put on them by an accelerated roll out of new 20mph zones.
The new Westmorland and Furness Council is drawing up a sign only 20mph zone policy with the aim of cutting speeds and making the streets safer.
Previously, 20mph zones in Cumbria have only been introduced along with other traffic calming measures intended to slow traffic down.
But a study shows that without being backed up by enforcement, the chance of being caught is very small.
Residential areas will be considered if local councillors on the authority nominate them, or parish and town councils come forward with suggestions.
Introducing more 20mph areas is a priority of the new Liberal Democrat-run council, which covers Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow and Furness.
It wants to accelerate a programme of 20mph zones on a location by location basis but only where there is significant community support, it said.
The new speed limit will only be brought in areas where there is room for high levels of pedestrian and cycle movement.
That means 20mph zones cannot be slapped on areas where the movement of vehicles is the main use of the road, it said.
The council wants to see more equitable use of the road space for all users. This means vulnerable people, sustainable transport, businesses and car users.
It says 20mph zones can encourage residents to walk or cycle and bring health benefits, both physical and mental.
Furthermore, they can reduce noise and pollution by addressing the way vehicles accelerate and de-accelerate.
It has cited research by the UK Transport Research Laboratory, which shows that every 1mph reduction in average urban speeds can result in a six percent fall in casualties.
The research also shows that people are seven times more likely to survive if they are hit by a car driving at 20mph, than if it is travelling at 30mph.
However, other studies, suggest that any 20mph limit has to be supported by stronger enforcement measures are needed to back up the 20mph limit.
A study for the Department for Transport in 2018 found: “There is a widespread view amongst the public that 20mph limits are not enforced, and the likelihood of being caught exceeding the limit is very small.
“This is one of the reasons why bigger reductions in speed have not been observed in (20mph) scheme areas.”
