REDUCED speed limits are being introduced at accident blackspots along the A590 to improve safety.

Several sections will see speed limits cut by up to 20mph in a move that has been welcomed following collisions on the road.

A section of the road near Newby Bridge garage, which has seen a number of accidents over recent years, is due to have its speed limit cut from 60mph to 40mph. 

The 'vital' £900,000 project by National Highways follows years of campaigning.

Work to install new speed limit signs and average speed cameras to enforce the new limits is to begin on Monday.

As well as the cut between Newby Bridge and Canny Hill Junction, the A590 from Greenodd to Roan Wood will have its speed limit cut from 60mph to 50mph and Haverthwaite dual carriageway from 70mph to 60mph.

Speed cameras will be installed at nine locations.

National Highways said it accepts the scheme will increase journey times but hopes it will help to reduce the number of incidents and delays on the road.

Community leaders and campaign group Cumbria Better Connected have campaigned for new safety features on the road for a number of years.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who chairs the group, said he wrote to the government calling for a reduction in speed limits in 2021. 

Welcoming the speed cuts, he said: “Far too often we see collisions on the A590 which result in serious injuries or, in some instances, people tragically losing their lives.

“So it’s absolutely brilliant news that National Highways are set to bring in new measures which will make this important road much safer.

“This has been a long time coming, and I want to put on record my thanks to all the local residents, parish councils and councillor Sue Sanderson who have worked so hard to make the case for these changes.”

Councillor Sue Sanderson said: “I’m delighted that National Highways have given the green light for speed limit reductions and speed cameras on the A590.

“I want to pay tribute to our local parish councils in Backbarrow, Haverthwaite and Staveley-in-Cartmel who have been working closely with us over many years to secure these vital safety improvements which we hope will reduce collisions and ultimately save lives.”