Communities are welcomed to apply for 20mph speed limits and zones in residential areas, towns and villages in Westmorland and Furness.
The introduction of 20mph speed limits and zones in the correct places in the area has been identified as one of the council’s key priorities to promote safer roads, reduce vehicle pollution and noise, and enhance the environment for walking and cycling.
Applications must be supported and submitted by the local Parish or Town Council and meet eligibility criteria defined by our 20mph policy, whilst encompassing guidance from Department for Transport on ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’.
Eligibility criteria includes:
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Support by the local Parish or Town Council and the Westmorland and Furness Council ward member(s)
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Strong local support demonstrated when Parish and Town Councils have engaged with the local community and other stakeholders.
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Extent of the scheme must be within the 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.
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Have an existing speed limit of no more than 40mph.
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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.
The council is accepting applications for phase one of the 20mph policy until Friday 16 February 2024.
Following this date, applications will be prioritised by the Westmorland and Furness Traffic Management Team based on considerations including evidence of accidents or incidents, whether the road is on a school walking route and the number of pedestrians walking along or crossing the road.
Requests will then be formally considered in April 2024 by the council’s new Locality Boards, which cover the areas of Furness, South Lakeland and Eden.
The introduction of 20mph will be subject to consultation and engagement with local communities and stakeholders including town and parish councils. Each scheme will require a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce the reduced speed limit.
To progress with applying for a 20mph speed limit or zone, please get in touch with your local Parish or Town Council who will provide the guidance criteria, prioritization matrix that will be used to consider implementation and who will be able to progress an application with local support.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness 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 have allocated £300,000 towards implementing new schemes.
“This new policy also demonstrates how we are already delivering our Council Plan ambitions to become carbon net zero, including supporting and promoting environmentally friendly forms of travel and making it easier and safer to walk and cycle in our area."