20mph speed limit? The latest from Levens Parish Council

On 15th February 2024 Levens Parish formally submitted its request and application to be considered for the next stage of the W & F 20mph scheme.

Levens children welcome our first SID (Speed Indicator Device)

Levens Parish Council has worked hard over recent years to improve road safety in the village, especially in the vicinity of the school. As Sole Trustee of the Levens Charity it has invested in two speed indicator devices and is currently working with Highways Officers for additional safety measures and a possible footpath on Levens Lane.

Late in 2023 Westmorland and Furness Council (W&FC) launched a scheme to enable local communities to apply for 20-mph zones on roads in suitable locations. The focal point for the scheme is the local Parish Council which must pass a resolution expressing interest in the scheme, but even then, success in securing speed restrictions is not guaranteed and is subject to proposals meeting a number of criteria. One of the requirements for a successful outcome is evidence of public support and when W&FC announced the scheme there was immediate interest from individuals in the Parish. An informal petition was set-up by a local resident via Change.org and the Levens Facebook Group ran a poll and representations in favour of a scheme were also made direct to the Parish Council by correspondence and via public participation at its November meeting.

Communities can request 20mph speed limits and zones in residential areas, towns and villages.

As a result, Levens Parish Council formally expressed an interest in exploring the scheme and resolved to submit an application, which it has now done. If the application is successful, W&FC will work closely with the Parish Council and will require robust evidence of support from residents, without which the scheme will not proceed. At this stage feedback, though predominantly in favour, is informal and not based on a substantive survey of views.

W&FC will help with formally assessing support and details of the proposals will form part of public survey. At this stage, the Parish Council is awaiting the initial response to its application and, if positive, will proceed to working up details and assessing public support.

Residents will be invited to join the consultation and kept fully informed of progress.