New 20mph speed limits to come in across South Lakes towns

The reduced speed limits, which will impact roads in Kendal, Ulverston, Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness and Kirkby Londsale, will come into force between September 29 and October 29.

Ulverston town councillor David Webster has said the authority has been pushing for new signs to be introduced for a while, and the new developments are not a moment too soon.

He said: "We have been trying for a 20mph limit for may a year. The virus has come and now with the cooperation of Cumbria County Council, we have been able to bring it in; all be it for the short term, but an area around town centre will be in place for the new limit and as well as that it will reduce emissions to the environment, thanks to the lower speeds.”

The reduced speed limits are part of an ongoing project led by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), working with partners including Cumbria County Council, parish and town councils and local business communities, to ensure visitors are reassured they can safely return to town centres in the district.

The project has already resulted in signage, posters and banners advising people to observe social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, advice and support for shops to reopen in accordance with the Government’s ‘Covid-secure’ guidance and street marshals patrolling in busy Lake District locations.

Michael Johnson, clerk for Lakes Parish Council, has long been concerned for Ambleside and thinks traffic has always gone slow through the town.

“This new limit is a way of going from self-policed speed limits into making things more official,” he said.

“But on most days you’re lucky if you can get up to 10 miles per hour through the town let alone 20mph. I doubt business will be affected or see any difference.”

It is intended that the 20mph limit will come into force for the affected roads in Kendal and Ulverston from September 29, with Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness and Kirkby Lonsdale from October 6.