MP hosts speeding summit to discuss Kendal traffic issues

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has hosted a speeding summit to try and deal with speeding and traffic issues throughout Kendal.

Tim along with local councillors Giles Archibald, Shirley Evans, Clare Feeney-Johnson, Matt Severn and David Evans met with local police officers, South Cumbria Highways and Transport Manager Nick Raymond and Police & Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes.

At the meeting they discussed speeding issues on Sedbergh Road, Windermere Road, Greenside and Fellside and a series of other areas in Kendal. A series of actions were agreed:

• Sedbergh Road - The County Council would work up a scheme to look at road alterations. Councillors Shirley Evans and Chris Hogg pressed for a pelican crossing and Nick Raymond agreed to bring a worked up plan to South Lakeland Local Committee for discussion. This pelican crossing is something local campaigners and parents at Castle Park School would like to see installed. This will link with the £3,000 which Shirley Evans has already pledged to extend the 30 mile per hour speed limit on Castle Green Road.
• Windermere Road - The council will now look at extending the 30 mile per zone to the edge of town in recognition of the new homes built at the end of Windermere Road. 'Gateway features' will be installed and after comments from Councillor Matt Severn it was agreed that a mobile speed camera will be looked at.
• Aynam Road- Councillors David Evans and Clare Feeney-Johnson pressed for better markings on Aynam Road and for the Police to work with the County Council on the possibility of installing a fixed speed camera on the road to address problems and accidents caused by speeding traffic.
• Fellside/ Queens Road - Councillors led by Giles Archibald and John McCreesh have called for action to be taken to deal with lorries and traffic on Greenside. Research on this will be given to councillors to allow them to look at traffic calming measures. Giles raised the fact that both on Queens road and Greenside there is concern that HGVs are using it, despite the current restrictions. The police indicated they are actively monitoring this. The police also agreed to install a speed indicator device on Greenside.

Tim said: "I'd like to thank all the councillors, council staff and Police Commissioner Richard Rhodes for attending the meeting today. I think we have made some progress towards dealing with these issues. I want to make sure that we explore every option and that the councils are doing all in the power to deal with residents' concerns."

Councillor Shirley Evans added: "When the children of Castle Park School made their presentation to the Local Committee, they very clearly explained why a pelican crossing is needed on this busy road. I am confident that today's meeting will help to bring this a step closer to being achieved."

Councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson further added: "It was great to have the opportunity to speak to the Police and Crime Commissioner about the speeding problems facing residents living on Aynam Road. I hope we can work together to find real solutions."