PLANS are in place to introduce a 20 mile per hour speed limit in a town centre following road safety concerns.

Discussions over reducing the speed limit in Ulverston’s town centre have been ongoing for a number of years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A 20 mile per hour speed limit came into force temporarily between September and October 2020, affecting roads across South Lakeland including Ulverston, Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale.

The measure was implemented as part of Government funding to re-open town centres safely during the coronavirus crisis.

Following the lowering of the speed limit, South Lakeland District Council saw overwhelmingly positive feedback for the measure, with councillors calling for the arrangement to be extended.

Mark Wilson, a South Lakeland District councillor and Ulverston Town councillor, was among those who commended the speed limit as having a 'good effect' on traffic - and called for the measure to be extended permanently.

More than two years since the temporary restriction came into place, plans are due to be submitted to permanently lower the speed limit to 20mph in Ulverston town centre.

Ulverston Town Council revealed that Cumbria County Council have developed proposals to alleviate road safety concerns following discussions with the current local county councillors.

READ MORE: Plans to make 20mph speed limit permanent in Ulverston town centre

The scheme, if approved, will be designed, introduced and maintained by Cumbria County Council.

Cllr Wilson said the plans form ‘long-held views’ that slower speed is better for all.

He said: “These proposals spring from long-held views that a slower speed limit is better for all in terms of less pollution, less tyre wear, safer streets and more courteous driving.

“I put some county highways funding to go in a consultation exercise with residents and road users to find out what they think.

“The results will be looked at in the future by Westmorland and Furness Council. These areas are close to Ulverston Town Centre.

“Ideally these changes would bring us more in line with streets in Scotland, larger UK cities, as well as villages plus many countries around the world.

“20 is plenty.”

Michelle Scrogham, mayor of Ulverston, is also in support of the plans.

She said: "I campaigned for a 20mph speed limit and it worked well during its temporary use through the Covid restrictions. It was initially brought in to assist while people were social distancing, as pedestrians were often sharing the space on roads during this time. I would like to see Soutergate and Hart Street added to the scheme too, as they are part of the main flow through our town centre and filled with residents.

"I would welcome the expansion of shared space and reduction in speed limits around the town centre, to make it a safer and even more enjoyable place to be."

Cumbria County Council would like feedback on the proposal. Please email trafficteam.south@cumbria.gov.ukDrop-in to give your views.