{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreifdseatzjjj5rz32oewwwkks5mfykcoyxmtvhiq5ma2gcn2xkddlu"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 58553
  },
  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/cumbria-20mph-speed-limit-changes-backlash",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-05T15:41:43.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Car insurance changes could save drivers £541 by making 'small changes'",
    "Drivers across UK paid £750,000 to charge electric cars at home in landmark energy trial",
    "UK city eyes new road charges for petrol and diesel drivers in blow to thousands - 'Start the conversation'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nMotorists in Cumbria have been warned of new 20mph speed limits set to roll out across the region this spring, despite opposition to the rules.\n\n\nWestmorland and Furness Council has given final approval to 24 new schemes which will see the lower speed limits gradually introduced across the area, bringing the total number of 20mph schemes to 44.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe changes mean more streets in towns and villages will be covered by lower speed limits, following public consultations and votes by local council boards.\n\nThe council stated the limits are designed to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, particularly around schools and in built-up residential areas where the current limit is 40mph or less.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe lower speeds follow a consultation, which saw more than 5,200 residents submit responses last year, with a further 233 responses received during the statutory consultation later in 2025.\n\nDespite mixed views in some areas, councillors agreed there was enough support overall for the schemes to go ahead with cutting speeds.\n\nCouncillor Peter Thornton explained how the measures were being introduced at the request of local communities who warned of the impact higher speeds have on road safety.\n\nHe said: \"This brings the total number of 20mph schemes we have introduced across Westmorland and Furness to 44. 44 communities have requested that these measures be taken, and where the streets will be safer for all.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Not only have communities requested these schemes be introduced through our new streamlined route, but thousands of people have engaged with the process and helped shape them.\n\n\"We also pledged to only take on schemes where there was demonstrated community support. This was a crucial part of the process, and I am delighted to see these schemes go forward.\"\n\nThe new limits will be introduced in stages across Furness, Eden and South Lakeland. In the Furness area, all eight previously proposed schemes have been approved.\n\nOnly 26 formal objections or comments were received during the statutory consultation, and the schemes were approved as advertised.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Car insurance changes could save drivers £541 by making 'small changes'\n  * Drivers across UK paid £750,000 to charge electric cars at home in landmark energy trial\n  * UK city eyes new road charges for petrol and diesel drivers in blow to thousands - 'Start the conversation'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn Eden, new 20mph limits will be introduced in villages including Clifton, Gamblesby, Glassonby, Great Asby, Greystoke, Sockbridge and Tirril, and Stainton.\n\nPenrith saw one of the largest responses, with more than 9,000 households contacted and 764 people replying.\n\nWhile 46 per cent supported the proposals, a staggering 40 per cent of responses were against lowering the speed limit.\n\nCouncil officers said feedback from the Castletown area was \"inconclusive\", leading to the decision to remove it from the current plans and consult on it again separately later this year.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn South Lakeland, schemes in Cartmel, Greenodd and Penny Bridge, Heversham, Ings, Levens, Milnthorpe and Satterthwaite were all approved.\n\nCouncillor Thornton confirmed that more schemes will be brought forward later in the year to be consulted on.\n\n\"I would urge as many people as possible to engage with the consultation and help us ensure that how we proceed reflects what the community wants,\" he added.\n\nThe council added that a public consultation on the next round of proposed 20mph limits will begin later this year.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "New 20mph speed limits launch despite 'inconclusive' reports and driver backlash"
}