NEW 20mph zones could be coming to swathes of Cumbria.

Westmorland and Furness Council is launching consultations on 28 schemes to offer residents the opportunity to share feedback on the proposals and shape the designs.

The council say the schemes were put forward by parish and town councils and will only be introduced if wider support from residents can be demonstrated.

Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways, assets and ICT, said: “I am pleased to launch the council’s 20mph consultation. This has been driven by community calls for lower speed limits in appropriate areas.

“The schemes proposed for delivery this year represent a significant step towards achieving our ambition of making our roads safer for everyone.

“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. This consultation is an essential part of the process, and we are committed to ensuring that any changes have the backing of the community.

“I urge all residents to participate in the consultation and share their views. This is your opportunity to shape the future of road safety in your community, and your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that these initiatives truly reflect local needs and priorities.”

The scheme will be funded by £300,000 from the council’s priority investment fund which has been ring-fenced to deliver the safety initiative in communities across the area.

The proposed 20mph zones are in:

Furness: Hawcoat, Newbarns, Ormsgill, Roosecote, Walney North.

Eden: Askham, Crosby Ravensworth, Dufton, Kings Meaburn, Melmerby, Nenthead, Orton, Ousby, Glenridding and Patterdale, Ravenstonedale and Temple Sowerby

South Lakeland: Gleaston, Allithwaite, Coniston, Oxenholme, Ambleside, Natland, Swarthmoor, Sedgwick, Great Urswick and Little Urswick and Bowness.

To review the proposals and take part in the consultation, visit: 20mph speed limits | Westmorland and Furness Council. The consultation will close on October 18.

Paper copies of the consultation and scheme proposals are available at the following libraries: Alston, Ambleside, Appleby, Barrow, Coniston, Grange, Kendal, Kirkby Stephen, Ormsgill, Penrith, Shap, Ulverston, Walney and Windermere.

Eleven 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.

Eden

From 4pm to 7pm at:

Orton Market Hall – Monday 23 September

Temple Sowerby Victory Hall – Monday 30 September

Glenridding Village Hall – Wednesday 2 October

Melmerby Village Hall – Tuesday 8 October

Furness

Barrow Leisure Centre – Tuesday 17 September, 4pm to 7pm

North Scale Community Centre, Walney – Tuesday 1 October, 4pm to 7pm

Barrow Library – Monday 7 October, 10am to 4pm

South Lakeland

From 4pm to 7pm at:

Urswick Parish Rooms – Thursday 19 September

Coniston Ready Room – Monday 23 September

Kendal Town Hall – Tuesday 8 October

Ambleside Parish Centre – Thursday 10 October