Lower speed limits are being planned for town centres across South Lakeland as part of COVID-19 safety measures to support the reopening of high streets.
The new temporary 20mph limits would apply to town centre roads in Kendal, Ulverston, Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness and Kirkby Lonsdale. The 20mph limits would be in force for up to 18 months and could be removed earlier if the measures are no longer required.
Legal notices about the proposed lower limits are being published in the local press over the next two weeks.
It is intended the 20mph limit will come into force for the affected roads in Kendal and Ulverston from 29 September 2020, with Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness and Kirkby Lonsdale a week later from 6 October 2020.
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.
The plans developed in consultation with town and parish councils and local businesses also considered highways changes, such as lowering speed limits in town centres to encourage drivers to be more aware of pedestrians stepping into the carriageway, or crossing the road more frequently, to maintain social distancing.
Cumbria County Council, as the highways authority, is now taking steps to implement temporary 20mph limits on the following roads:
Kendal
Kirkland and Highgate, including Lowther Street and Allhallows Lane.
Ulverston
From Coronation Hall to include town centre streets (not Fountain Street), plus Soutergate roundabout to King Street and Queen Street to A590.
Ambleside
A593 from north of Wansfell Road junction up to Rydal Road to north of the Rydal Road car park entrance and the A591 from its junction with the A593 at Compston Road down to the junction with Wansfell Road, plus all streets found within that area (including Kelsick Road).
Windermere
Ellerthwaite Square (south of town centre), east end of College Road and to include Elleray Road, High Street, Victoria Street, Crescent Road and Main Road (plus other internal streets) but not A591.
Bowness
The Promenade north of Glebe Road (including Glebe Road), Kendal Road north of Back Belsfield Road, Rayrigg Road to include the car park entrance and exit and Crag Brow towards Windermere to North Terrace.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Bottom of Mitchelgate to junction of New Road and Main Street.
The project supporting the safe reopening of high streets is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Department for Communities and Local Government.
