24 New 20mph Speed Limits Approved for Westmorland and Furness Areas
New 20mph speed limits are set to be introduced across the north east of England, with 24 community-backed schemes receiving final approval for implementation in Westmorland and Furness during 2026.
Extensive Community Consultation Process
Following an extensive consultation process, more than 5,200 residents participated in initial consultations last year, providing feedback and helping to shape the proposed 20mph schemes. A subsequent statutory consultation at the end of last year generated an additional 233 responses, demonstrating continued public engagement with the traffic safety initiatives.
Members of the Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards recently reviewed the consultation results and agreed that significant community support remains for all proposed schemes, paving the way for their implementation.
Implementation Timeline and Future Plans
The approved 20mph speed limits will be implemented in spring 2026, with initial public consultation on a third round of schemes scheduled to launch later in the same year. This brings the total number of 20mph schemes introduced across Westmorland and Furness to 44 communities that have requested these safety measures.
Official Statement from Council Leadership
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, commented on the approval: "This brings the total number of 20mph schemes we have introduced across Westmorland and Furness to 44. Forty four communities who have requested these measures be taken and where the streets will be safer for all, as well as encouraging wider use, whether that be walking, wheeling or cycling."
"Not only have communities requested these schemes be introduced through our new streamlined route but thousands of people have engaged with the process and helped shape them to ensure they better meet the needs of the communities," Thornton continued. "We also pledged to only take on schemes where there was demonstrated community support. This was a crucial part of the process and I am delighted to see these schemes go forward."
Additional Areas Under Consideration
The council has announced that more schemes will be brought forward for consultation later in the year, including Castletown in Penrith. According to Thornton: "These will include Castletown in Penrith, where the feedback last year was not conclusive one way or the other, so we feel the fairest way forward is to relook at that area separately."
The cabinet member encouraged continued public participation: "I would urge as many people as possible interested in the upcoming proposals to engage with the consultation and help us ensure how we proceed reflects what the community wants."
The implementation of these 20mph speed limits represents a significant step toward improving road safety and encouraging alternative modes of transportation across Westmorland and Furness, with community input playing a central role in the decision-making process.
