Plans for temporary speed restrictions set to be rejected

An experimental 30mph speed limit though towns and villages along one of Cumbria's busiest roads looks set to be rejected next week.

Residents living on the A596 between Thursby and Workington have raised concerns over the speed and volume of traffic passing through their towns and villages, many of which have a speed limit higher than 30mph.

But the Local Democracy Reporting Service says officers have recommended that councillors meeting to discuss the idea "do not progress the proposals" to roll out the measures on a trial basis.

The county council was asked to consider the plans following a drop-in session with Workington MP Sue Hayman.

She said: "I live in a village myself and there are cars that come through far too fast. I am more than happy to look at reduced speed limits in villages where it is appropriate."

To introduce the speed restrictions would require signage to be altered on the route through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. Requests to change the speed limit on sections of the A596 have been also considered previously. But reviews at towns and villages along the route including Prospect and Crosby recommended that the present speed limits are "most appropriate."

If councillors follow officers' recommendations, the issue of speeding motorists would continue to be dealt with by the multi-agency group Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways (CRASH) when raised with the county council or police.

The speed limit would apply to Waverton, Prospect, Crosby Villa, Crosby, Birkby, Flimby and Siddick.

The county council's local committee for Allerdale is due to consider the proposals at a meeting on November 6.