Residents in Burneside have a final opportunity to influence proposed 20mph speed limits, with a 21-day statutory consultation now under way before Westmorland and Furness Council decides whether the scheme should be introduced later in 2026.
The consultation covers the detailed Traffic Regulation Order for the proposed speed-limit changes. Responses will be considered by the council before it reaches a final decision.
What the Burneside scheme would change
The proposal has moved forward after amendments were made in response to feedback from an earlier community consultation. However, the announcement supplied by Kendal Report did not include the detailed amended layout.
Burneside is one of 17 community-backed proposals included in the third phase of Westmorland and Furness Council’s wider 20mph programme. The schemes are intended for built-up towns and villages where the existing maximum speed limit is 40mph or less.
The council says the proposals were designed in line with Department for Transport guidance. Their stated aim is to create safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
How to take part
Residents can use the council’s consultation information to comment on the detailed Traffic Regulation Order during the 21-day statutory period. This is the final opportunity to give views on the detailed design before any scheme is rolled out.
The council said the statutory process gives residents another chance to add their views and make their position clear.
“We would like to thank everybody who responded to the initial engagement and helped shape these 20mph schemes to reflect local need.”
A council spokesperson added:
“This statutory consultation is a necessary step and is a further opportunity for residents to add their views and emphasise their position.”
Burneside’s place in the wider programme
Across Westmorland and Furness, 11 of the 17 phase-three schemes are progressing as originally proposed. Six, including Burneside, are moving forward with amendments. Nine other proposed schemes will not proceed because the required level of demonstrated support was not received.
In South Lakeland, High Carley and Pennington, Lowick Green and Outgate are progressing without amendments. Burneside, Grasmere and Ulverston are progressing with changes. In Ulverston, the amendments include Soutergate, part of Town Bank Road, Rake Lane and Oakwood Drive.
Proposals for Elterwater, Rydal, Troutbeck and Windermere are not being taken forward because respondents did not demonstrate the required level of support.
The council introduced a streamlined process for 20mph applications in December 2023. It said the change made it easier and quicker for communities to submit requests and reduced the application process by several months. Since then, 49 requests have been made, covering 79 proposed schemes across Westmorland and Furness.
The phase-three proposals were first considered by the Eden, Furness and South Lakeland locality boards after communities supported them during the initial consultation. A decision on whether the Burneside scheme will be implemented is expected later in 2026, once the statutory consultation has ended.