Seventeen more community-backed 20mph speed limits have received final approval and will be introduced across Westmorland and Furness.

Following an extensive consultation process, more than 2,000 residents took part in initial consultation on phase three of the council’s 20mph scheme by responding and shaping the 20mph schemes. This brings the total number of 20mph schemes introduced across Westmorland and Furness since 2023 to 61.  

Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards previously agreed that 17 areas of the 26 initially proposed in phase three of the programme should go ahead to statutory consultation on the Legal Orders.  

The statutory consultation earlier this year saw a further 486 responses. Members on the Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards have now agreed that there are sufficient benefits and community support for all 17 schemes brought forward to proceed.   

Designed based on clear Department for Transport guidance, the schemes will create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. They focus on areas in built up towns and villages with a current maximum speed limit of 40mph or less. Requests for the limits came through a new streamlined route launched by Westmorland and Furness Council in December 2023 which made it easier and quicker for communities to submit applications for 20mph.    

Cllr Lorna Baker, chair of Eden Locality Board, said:

“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.”  

(Picture: Westmorland and Furness Council)