A consultation launches today (Thursday 9Th April) for residents to share views on the next phase of Westmorland and Furness Councils 'community-backed' proposals for 20mph speed limits.
Among the 26 schemes for 20mph speed limits in phase 3 being consulted is a proposal in Penrith to introduce a 20mph limit in Castletown that has been campaigned for by local councillors and residents for over a decade but failed to be included in the last phase after a lack or community response to the consultation.
The schemes which have been prioritised for delivery this year and form a part of the consultation are:
Eden
Bolton, Culgaith, Hunsonby & Winskill, Kirkby Stephen, Little Salkeld, Maulds Meaburn, Newbiggin-on-Lune, Penrith Castletown.
Furness
Barrow Island Community School, Greengate Junior School, Holy Family Catholic Primary School, North Walney, Ormsgill Nursery & Primary School, South Walney School, St Bernards RC High School, Yarlside School.
South Lakeland
Burneside, Elterwater, Grasmere, High Carley & Pennington, Lowick Green, Outgate, Rydal, Troutbeck, Ulverston, Windermere.
A total of 44 20mph schemes have already been approved at Locality Boards in April 2025 and January 2026, made possible by £300,000 investment from the Council's Priority Investment Fund.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: "Introducing 20mph speed limits in response to requests from parish and town councils has been one of the council's key priorities to promote safer roads, reduce vehicle noise and enhance the environment for walking and cycling. And I am proud that in a few short years we have supported 44 communities to introduce 20mph schemes. By reducing speed limits in key areas, we will not only improve safety, but also encourage walking and cycling, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment
"I urge all residents to participate in this latest consultation and share their views. It offers residents the opportunity to share feedback on the proposals and shape designs for the schemes, which will only be introduced if wider support from residents can be demonstrated."
Those who wish to feedback on their local 20mph proposal can do so by completing the online 20mph speed limit proposal consultation.
Paper copies of the consultation and scheme proposals are available at the following libraries: Appleby, Penrith, Kendal, Ulverston, Windermere, Barrow and Walney, as well as Kirkby Stephen Local Link and Ormsgill Library Link.
Six drop-in events have been arranged at locations around the Westmorland and Furness area, central to the proposed schemes, providing communities the chance to engage directly with the council's Traffic Management Team.
From 3pm to 6pm on:
Monday 27 April at Coronation Hall, Ulverston;
Wednesday 29 April at The Masonic Hall, Kirkby Stephen;
Thursday 30 April at the Marchesi Centre, Windermere;
Tuesday 5 May at Penrith Library;
Wednesday 6 May at Walney Community Centre;
Wednesday 13 May at Barrow Town Hall.
Before completing the consultation, residents are strongly encouraged to read the scheme proposals for the area to ensure they can sufficiently provide feedback.
To review the scheme proposals for 20mph speed limits across Westmorland and Furness and take part in the consultation, please visit https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/20mph.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
