The Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative Association believes that whilst road safety remains a paramount concern for all residents, the proposed blanket 20mph speed limit for Kendal town centre and residential estates requires careful scrutiny before implementation.
Our Position
We support evidence-based road safety measures that genuinely improve outcomes for residents whilst maintaining Kendal's economic vitality. However, we have serious concerns about the current 20mph proposal being championed by the Liberal
Democrat-controlled Kendal Town Council and their colleagues at Westmorland and Furness Council.
Key Concerns About the Current Proposal
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Kendal's town centre has already faced significant challenges in recent years, with many high street businesses struggling to compete with online retail and out-of-town shopping centres. The impact of traffic on Kendal's streets was identified as one of the primary concerns of residents, with the one-way system recognised as creating significant adverse impacts, including dramatically increasing the distances driven in the town.
A blanket 20mph limit could further discourage shoppers and visitors from accessing the town centre, potentially causing additional harm to local traders who are already working hard to maintain footfall. We need traffic solutions that support, rather than hinder, our local economy.
Questionable Implementation Costs
Kendal Town Council commissioned a study showing that a scheme covering the whole town could cost as much as £850,000, though other cost-effective solutions could be available for less than £50,000. At a time when Council Tax payers are facing significant financial pressures, we must question whether this represents the best use of public money.
With Westmorland and Furness Council investing £300,000 of ring-fenced funding to introduce 28 20mph schemes across the area, residents deserve transparency about the actual costs and benefits of each proposal.
Limited Evidence of Effectiveness
Whilst we acknowledge that international studies suggest lower speeds can reduce accident severity, the practical effectiveness of 20mph limits in similar market towns remains unclear. Data from Wales showed weighted mean speeds on main roads reduced by an average of 4mph over three months after 20mph limits were introduced, with average speeds dropping from 28.9mph to 24.8mph - suggesting many drivers were already travelling well below 30mph.
We question whether Kendal's specific traffic patterns and road layout make it suitable for this approach, particularly given the town's role as a gateway to the Lake District and its importance for tourism and freight movement.
Alternative Solutions We Support
Rather than a blanket approach, we propose targeted interventions that address specific safety concerns whilst preserving Kendal's accessibility:
Focused Safety Improvements
We support the implementation of targeted 20mph zones around schools, hospitals, and areas with demonstrable safety concerns. Concerns about Windermere Road at its junction with Queens Road and Green Road, where a crossing point is used by families walking to nearby primary schools and a nursery, illustrate the potential for specific interventions to have a significant safety benefit.
Investment in Infrastructure
Rather than simply changing speed limits, we advocate for investment in proper infrastructure improvements, including better pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, and clear sight lines that make roads genuinely safer for all users.
Support for the Kendal Northern Access Route
The proposed Kendal Northern Access Route would support future strategic growth in Kendal and improve access to existing employment areas as well as reduce congestion and increase network resilience within the town centre. This long-term solution would naturally reduce much of the through traffic in residential areas.
Technology-Based Solutions
Modern traffic management systems, including variable speed limits and smart traffic signals, could provide more flexible solutions that respond to actual traffic conditions rather than imposing blanket restrictions.
What We Want to See
The Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative Association calls for:
Comprehensive Traffic Study: A detailed analysis of current traffic patterns, accident data, and economic impact before any implementation.
Genuine Community Consultation: The lower speed limits will only be introduced if community support is determined through consultation, but we want to ensure this includes businesses, commuters, and frequent visitors to Kendal, not just residents.
Phased Implementation: If any 20mph limits are introduced, they should be trialled in specific problem areas first, with proper monitoring of their effectiveness.
Economic Impact Assessment: A thorough evaluation of potential effects on local businesses, tourism, and freight movement.
Alternative Route Development: Prioritising the Kendal Northern Access Route to provide long-term traffic solutions.
Working Together for Kendal's Future
We recognise that road safety is not a party political issue. However, we believe that effective solutions require careful planning, proper consultation, and evidence-based decision-making. The current Liberal Democrat proposal appears to prioritise speed of implementation over thorough analysis.
Investment in the streets will raise the quality of Kendal and its attractiveness to visit, shop, live, work, and relax. We agree with this aspiration, but believe it requires a more sophisticated approach than simply reducing speed limits.
Our market town deserves traffic solutions that enhance both safety and prosperity. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to find approaches that protect our residents whilst supporting Kendal's continued success as the gateway to the Lakes.
Get Involved
If you share our concerns about the current 20mph proposal, we encourage you to:
- Respond to the consultation with your views at https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/20mph
- Contact your local councillors.
- Attend public meetings about transport in Kendal.
- Support our calls for comprehensive traffic planning.
Together, we can ensure that any changes to Kendal's roads truly serve the best interests of our community, our economy, and our future.