Drivers in Penrith and surrounding villages will be subject to new 20mph speed limits, with councillors set to formally approve the changes at a meeting in the town next week.
The new limits will be introduced in some areas of Penrith and in nearby communities including Clifton, Gamblesby, Glassonby, Great Asby, Greystoke, Sockbridge and Tirril, and Stainton. The move follows the completion of the statutory consultation process, after which council officers concluded that the schemes should be introduced as advertised.
Westmorland and Furness Councillors will meet in Penrith next Wednesday at Voreda House, where they will be recommended to approve the new limits, clearing the way for their introduction.
The proposals have generated strong opinions on both sides responses to the statutory consultation that firmed the final stage of the process to introduce the new 20mph limits. Supporters told the council that speeding has been a long-standing problem, particularly on residential streets with narrow pavements, poor visibility and high pedestrian use.
In Penrith, residents raised concerns about near-misses, minor collisions and fast-moving traffic on roads used daily by children, elderly residents and people walking to schools and shops. Many said lower speeds would make streets feel safer and improve quality of life.
Opponents to the plans for the new 20mph limits argued the changes are unnecessary, questioning whether there is enough evidence to justify reducing speed limits. Others warned that the measures could increase congestion, frustrate drivers and make little difference if existing limits are already ignored. Enforcement was a recurring concern, with several people asking whether new signs would simply be overlooked without regular policing.
Similar views were echoed in surrounding villages. In Clifton, Greystoke, Sockbridge and Tirril, many residents supported lower speeds but said the proposed zones did not go far enough and should cover entire villages rather than selected stretches of road. In Great Asby and Gamblesby, residents said vehicles frequently exceed the current 30mph limit and doubted whether a 20mph limit alone would change driver behaviour.
Council officers acknowledged the objections received during the statutory consultation but maintained that the 20mph limits are a preventative safety measure, intended to reduce both the likelihood and severity of collisions, particularly those involving vulnerable road users. They confirmed that the schemes are sign-only, with no speed humps or traffic calming, and that enforcement will be carried out through existing police arrangements.
After reviewing all representations received during statutory consultation, Council officers concluded that none of the issues raised justified altering or halting the plans. Their recommendation to members of the Councillors on the Eden locality board is that the traffic regulation order is brought into force as advertised.
That recommendation will go before councillors in Penrith next week, and once approved, the new 20mph speed limits will be introduced across the town and neighbouring communities.
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