PLANS to reduce the speed limit in a busy town could set a new precedent if they were to succeed.
Campaigners in Ulverston have been keen on enforcing a blanket 20 mph limit across the town because of the many near misses pedestrians and cyclists frequently experience.
Councillor Colin Pickthall and town mayor Councillor Mark Wilson, have been instrumental in backing the proposals since campaigning first began last year.
Mr Wilson said: "As time progresses I think we would like to see more areas within safer street targets for 20 mph.
"We are thinking of the implementation of this scheme being brought about in phases."
The mayor also suggested Fountain Street, Brewery Street and down to the A590 would be an ideal starting point.
However, a spokesman for Cumbria Country council said that they do not have a policy position on the introduction of 20 mile an hour zones but they assess each scheme "on an individual basis."
This would mean that introducing a blanket speed reduction across Ulverston would set a new precedent for the council and could force them to re-think their guidelines.
Currently, the council's policy is geared towards making high risk zones like roads outside of schools safer, or shopping areas with high footfall but not large scale areas such a whole towns or cities.
Ulverston must show a significant public interest and be able to demonstrate distinctive benefits which implementing the proposals would bring.
Mr Wilson added: "Our aim is to gradually increase courtesy within the 20 mph zones, increase driver behaviour which will hopefully add to more courteous parking."
But the road to lower speed limits is long. First the matter would need to be discussed and agreed upon by the town council and then referred to cabinet at Cumbria County council who would have the final say.
Lucy Amos, a spokesperson for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "Brake calls for 20 mph to be the default speed limit in towns, cities and villages.
"20mph limits are proven to reduce collisions and make communities safer places for pedestrians and other road users."
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