A new streamlined application process launched in December 2023 led to requests for 20mph speed limits covering 79 locations.
We are progressing scheme proposals over a three-year period, ending in 2027. Schemes will be funded by investment from our Priority Investment Fund.
Furness
Plans for 20mph limits in the following five areas of Barrow will not progress at this time, due to low levels of community support:
- Hawcoat
- Newbarns
- Ormsgill
- Roosecote
- Walney North
The Council will revisit community priorities for 20mph speed limits and a final decision on Barrow’s wider 20mph programme is paused until April 2025.
Eden
Eleven of the twelve proposed schemes will proceed to statutory consultation shortly, enhancing road safety and encouraging active travel. Supported schemes include:
- Crosby Ravensworth
- Dufton
- Kings Meaburn
- Nenthead
- Ousby
Proposed schemes in the following areas have been amended because of community feedback:
- Askham
- Glenridding
- Orton
- Patterdale
- Ravonstonedale
- Temple Sowerby
The proposed scheme in Melmerby will not progress at this time due to low community support.
South Lakeland
Nine of the ten suggested schemes will proceed to statutory consultation. Supported schemes include:
- Gleaston
- Great Urwsick
- Little Urswick
- Natland
- Oxenholme
- Swarthmoor
Proposed schemes in the following areas have been amended to accommodate feedback from the community:
- Allithwaite
- Ambleside
- Coniston
- Sedgwick
The proposed scheme for Bowness-on-Windermere will not progress at this time, due to insufficient support.
Statutory consultation for the proposed changes in South Lakeland
The proposed changes in South Lakeland are open to statutory consultation and advertisement until Saturday 8th March 2025.
View the documents and respond to the consultation.
20mph Speed Limit Programme for 2025 to 2027
Locality Boards for Eden and South Lakeland have recently approved the programme for delivery of 20mph speed limits as follows:
2025 to 2026
- Cartmel
- Clifton
- Gamblesby
- Glassonby
- Great Asby
- Greenodd and Penny Bridge
- Greystoke
- Heversham
- Ings
- Kendal
- Levens
- Milnthorpe
- Penrith
- Satterthwaite
- Sockbridge and Tirril
- Stainton
2026 to 2027
- Bolton
- Burneside
- Culgaith
- Elterwater
- Grasmere
- Grayrigg
- High Carley
- Hunsonby
- Kirkby Stephen
- Little Salkeld
- Lowick Green
- Maulds Meaburn
- Newbiggin on Lune
- Outgate
- Pennington
- Rydal
- Troutbeck
- Ulverston
- Windermere
- Winskill
The Council will revisit community priorities for 20mph speed limits and a final decision on Barrow’s wider 20mph programme is paused until April 2025.
Apply for a 20mph speed limit
Applications have been paused for this programme, however Town and Parish Councils are invited to indicate their intention to join a future programme by emailing 20mph@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Criteria for 20mph speed limits
Eligible applications for the 20mph policy met the following criteria:
- supported by the local Parish or Town Council and/or the Westmorland and Furness Council ward Member(s)
- strong local support demonstrated when Parish and Town Councils have engaged with the local community and other stakeholders
- extent of the scheme is within a built-up environment of the village or town where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner (where there is large amounts of walking, cycling and scooting taking place or likely to be in the future), except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe
- has an existing speed limit of no more than 40mph
- is in an environment that explains and justifies a lower speed limit to the driver; noting that main roads/arterial routes will need to be considered carefully as to whether they are justified within the extent of the scheme
Information about 20mph speed limits
Introducing 20mph limits in the correct places can promote safer roads, reduce congestion, reduce vehicle pollution and noise, enhance the environment for walking and cycling and support communities having a sense of place.
Research by the UK Transport Research Laboratory has shown that that you are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph, than if you are hit at 30mph. If a child suddenly steps in front of a car, you are much less likely to seriously injure or kill them if you keep to a 20mph limit.
Why we are proposing to introduce 20mph speed limits
In 2023, the Council introduced a policy that made it easier for communities to request 20mph speed limits in residential areas, towns and villages to improve road safety.
Traffic speed can be a barrier to walking and cycling and increases the risk and severity of collisions. Reducing traffic speed helps people to feel more confident about using their local streets. It is safer for children to walk to school, while older people feel more able to travel independently and safely.
Calmer road speeds lead to better health, less noise, more social interaction and stronger communities.